December 2010

December 2010 - V olume 73

Inside This Issue

Hunting Opening Day p.3 - Issu e

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With the rifle season opening, students voice their opinions and experiences with hunting.

Commerson finds adventure p. 6

1 80 S.

Livernois

- Rochester High School - Rochester Hills M

Former coach and regular substitute teacher Mr. Hal Commerson challenged his endurance with a trek through the Appalachian Mountains last spring.

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New contracts end controversy Katie Ziraldo Entertainment Editor

As math teacher and union representative Mr. Robert Byrd walks through the familiar halls of Rochester High School, he and his fellow teachers experience an unsettling feeling. It is seven minutes before first hour is scheduled to begin, and the teachers are just now heading to their classrooms. The tactic is called a “walk-in, walk-out” and is a strategy that involves abiding by the bare minimum of one’s contractual responsibilities. This, in addition to many other tactics, meetings and negotiations, has put an end to the 18-month long teacher negotiations, settling in a new contract.

“Negotiations are a long process; people bring proposals to the table and you go back and forth and see what happens,” Mr. Byrd said. “So that process happened until about [mid-November.]

Then the tentative agreement was shown to all teachers and they got roughly two weeks to look it over and ask questions. At the end of those weeks, we voted. And we voted yes overall. A sufficient margin was needed. We [now] have a contract that runs through the 2012 school year. It covers last year, this year and next year.”

But what was truly tiring for both teachers and board members alike is the magnitude of balancing the negotiation process with the rest of their lives for so long.

“Our team met with the board’s team for roughly 14 months,” Mr. Byrd said. “They don’t meet everyday; they meet like once a week because obviously everyone has their jobs that they also have to do while doing this. That’s a common misconception. A lot of people think that they’re in the room every day trying to hammer it out for 14 months, and that’s not exactly what happened.”

In fact, teachers tried to keep the negotiations separate from their teaching experience, and in many cases did so successfully.

“I honestly had no idea it was going on,” junior Alli Berns said. “The teachers must have done a good job continuing their jobs with us despite the negotiations, because I think a lot of students didn’t even know about it.”

Even though some students weren’t aware, over those 14 months there was a certain bargaining and negotiation process being followed.

“We began bargaining in June 2009 and have been at the bargaining table regularly ever since,” Rochester Education Association (REA) president Mr. Doug Hill said. “In January 2010 a state-appointed mediator joined the negotiation process to provide more assistance to both sides

in bridging the differences. The REA filed for Fact Finding near the end of May 2010 and the district filed as well a short time later. Filing for Fact Finding means that the sides would take their proposals, evidence, testimony and witnesses before a state-appointed Fact Finder who will hear each side’s cases and rebuttals before offering his recommendations.”

The length of time it took to come to an agreement was due to the differing desires of the two sides.

“The school board was hopeful in structural changes to the contract between the teachers and the district that would save the district money in its operating expenses,” Mr. Hill said. “The teachers were hopeful of offering some assistance to the district in meeting its structural changes, while at the same time limiting the depth of the cuts that could affect teachers’ personal finances.”

But through compromise and cooperation, the two sides reached a deal.

“It’s a fair deal, that’s the biggest thing,” Mr. Byrd said. “There’s a lot of give and take with any negotiation. There are things that we’ve gained that are considered positives. They’re not strictly tangible; you can’t measure it in money. If you’re an outsider looking at it, you’re like ‘Oh, I don’t see the gain’ but we gained rights for our members that were crucial but also help out the students. Like, for elementary school, we gained time for testing and that’s a big win. It’s a big win for the kids because they’re not as rushed and it doesn’t take away as much time from the class.”

It took a long time, but after a year and a half of needing a new contract, teachers and the board have agreed to a new contract proposal that pleases both teachers and board members alike, and most everyone finds relief in the finality of the long process.

“We’ve always recognized that were all going to have to do our part, the difference was just that we differed on how we had to do that,” Mr. Byrd said. “I think everyone is glad that this is just over and behind us, because I don’t think people realize the strain it causes, and I think we do a good job of not portraying how much strain is there when something like this is unsettled. It’s like if you went to your job, you knew you’d have a job next month but you weren’t exactly sure how they’d take care of you and vice versa.

We like not having the burden of not having a contract. We can move forward and keep doing good things for the students and for everyone else.”

A Negotiation for the Ages SPRING ‘09

NEGOTIATION PERIOD

DECEMBER ‘10

November 29-30 Spring ‘09

The teacher’s union and school board prepare for negotiations.

July ‘09 - November ‘10

Ratification vote in individual buildings takes place. On Tuesday, November 30, ballots are counted after school by the REA, approving the proposed contract.

Throughout the negotiation period, the REA holds “Contractual Days,” in which teachers attend school for as August ‘09 long as their contract states (7:28 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.).

The previous teacher The “Contractual Days,” along with informational picketing contract ends. From and red days, are ultimately cancelled and give way to a this point on, teachers less agressive “PR” approach, such as talking to parents and are to working without baking pies for the school board. a contract until an agreement is reached.

December 1

The school board votes and (6-1) finalizes the new contract, which covers September 2009 through August 2012.

Pie photos Source: Creative Commons Picket sign graphic by Amy Mackens Timeline by Max Kleiner

News

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December 2010

Students start bathroom fires A strange, yet familiar scent wafts down the upper freshman hallway, and immediately, a threat is sensed by many of staff members and students, who, despite quick action, were still disrupted by the emergency: fire.

“Once we smelled smoke, it wasn’t one minute before someone came in and told us were being evacuated to the media center,” English teacher Ms. Jean Wood said. “Once we got settled in the media center, we were able to accomplish some things, but things didn’t things didn’t go as smoothly as they would have in a classroom.”

Disruption aside, the relocation of seven classes, in Wood’s opinion, went more smoothly than evacuations in the past.

“We have gotten much better [at evacuations] in the past two years,” Ms. Wood said. “Now we have specific guidelines for crises, and I feel more in control of my students.”

However, while some of the staff felt some comfort, students may not have felt the same security.

“I have always been led to believe that if there is a fire in the school, an evacuation is mandatory,” senior Michael Kmiec said. “I do not know the specifics of the fire, but I was told not to go upstairs to my class because there was a fire. I thought we were evacuating, so I went for the doors [leading outside], where in fact we were hoarded into the library and were told that there was only smoke.”

On top of the confusion of the relocation, students immediately began to speculate about who lit the fire.

“We were left uninformed, leaving room for rumors to arise,” Kmiec said. “I still don’t know the details, but I trust there was no real danger because had there been, the administration would have taken proper precaution.”

And although many may believe that evacuation decisions may lie with the administration, such responsibilities actually lie in the Critical Incidence Team (C.I.T.), a group of people, comprised of faculty ranging from maintenance workers to law enforcement officials, to even students and parents.

“All of the people involved in the C.I.T. meet once per month,” assistant principal and chairperson of the committee Mrs. Susan

A fire truck from a previous incident arrives to control the situation. Photo by Laura Herbert

Students in the process of evacuation during a previous occurence . Photo by Laura Herbert

The upper level freshman restroom after the fire in November. Photo by Max Kleiner

Demeniuk said. “We review security and any type of critical incident that could happen at school.”

While the C.I.T.’s purpose is a simple idea, actually performing the required tasks can become an ordeal.

“When you’re trying to exit 1,700 students and faculty from a building, it can look pretty hectic,” Mrs. Demeniuk said. “But the students and staff know exactly where they need to go.

The guidelines are all readily available to all staff members.”

In the case of the recent bathroom fire, Mrs. Demeniuk explains the decisions made by the C.I.T.

“The fire [alarm] was never pulled, which is why the school was not completely evacuated,” Mrs. Demeniuk said. “By the time we were able to get to the fire, it was already under control, and all that was left to do was to relocate the classes in the upper F-wing to the media center.”

While the C.I.T. responded as planned, the problem, to some, does not lie in planning, but rather in the consequences of student’s actions.

“I really wish we could find a way to teach some of the students how to act like students,” Ms. Wood said. “Some of them just need to learn to respect property that isn’t theirs.”

Neighborhood house gives back The Rochester Area Neighborhood House (R.A.N.H.) is a non-profit human service organization founded by communities of faith in 1968. The R.A.N.H. provides services of food, clothing and financial assistance to people in need.

Many different people from Rochester, Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills request help from R.A.N.H. “We serve a wide variety of clients,” Ms. Marilyn Kenyon, a caseworker at R.A.N.H., said. “Some of our clients are working families or individuals trying to make ends meet after the loss of a job, an illness or other financial setback. We also serve seniors in the community and single parents.”

The Rochester High Key Club is helping R.A.N.H. this year by donating toys.

“The Neighborhood House is having a gift drive for all different kinds of people,” President of Key Club and junior Farha Hanif said. “They need high school students to donate. [Key

Club] has a holiday party each year.

Students can’t get into the party without bringing a toy to donate.”

According to Ms. Kenyon, R.A.N.H. values the importance of donating and helping others in the area.

“It is important to give locally since doing so helps your neighbors, caring for those who are closest to you,” Ms. Kenyon said.

“Students will gain a sense of satisfaction when helping others, and to give to their own community only improves their c u r r e n t environment.”

H o w e v e r, there are people who aren’t familiar with R.A.N.H. and what they do.

“All I know about the Rochester Area Neighborhood House is that I’m assuming it’s a charity that collects toys and other things for children who don’t have

Teddy bears are one of many toys donated by R.A.N.H.. Source: Creative Commons

those kinds of opportunities,” junior Ally Kane said. “I think it is very

important to donate locally, it’s just one way to help out your community.”

R.A.N.H. collaborates with many groups in the community to provide help for others.

“We partner with the community and other social service providers to help our neighbors in need, with a goal toward moving our clients toward selfsufficiency,” Ms. Kenyon said. “We also have the Junior Ambassador program. It was designed to bring the energy of youth into the Neighborhood House organization.

This program began in spring of 2009.

By design, everyone benefits from this programthe organization, the selected youth, the N.H. clients and ultimately our community.”

Teen Council to host a bowling night In an effort to revive a program called the Teen Council, the Rochester Auburn Hills Community Coalition (RAHCC) is hosting a bowling night at Classic Lanes on December 19. The coalition strongly encourages any high school students in the greater Rochester area to come and have a night on the town filled with pizza, bowling, music and prizes. A volunteer for the event, Chris Murray, elaborates.

“We are trying to get our Teen Council going again,” Mr. Murray said. “In the past they have sponsored a battle of the bands, [and] they march in the Rochester Christmas parade. If you believe in living a healthy lifestyle and want to help promote this to your peers and students who look up to you, this could be a great way to do it as well as find a great group of teens to interact with.”

A former member of Teen Council, Courtney Fortress, said she agrees that Teen council is a great program for teens.

“The Teen Council sets up ‘alternative

On December 19, the Rochester Auburn Hills Community Coalition will host a bowling night at Classic Lanes to benefit the Teen Council. Photo by Nate Barton

activities’ for youth to give them another option other then engaging in drug and or alcohol abuse,” Fortress said. “A great thing that I have noticed from my experience with the group is that they are a great group of young people that are trying to make a difference in our society.”

According to Mr. Murray, students who show up early to the bowling night can get in for free. RAHCC hopes to make this a “Let’s

get acquainted” session for anyone who is interested.

“The first 50 students who show up with their picture high school ID will be admitted free,” Murray said. “After that the charge will be $10 per person, which is still a great deal for two hours of bowling, shoes, two pieces of pizza, pop, door prizes and I’m working on a band.”

Because of this advertising, some RHS students who never knew about Teen Council said they are now curious about the program.

“I didn’t even know that teen council existed, but it sounds like a cool program,” sophomore Sean Peckens said. “It seems interesting.”

The bowling night is just one of many community events hosted by the RAHCC. According to Murray, the coalition is heavily invested in the community. And they do it with a purpose.

“Our goal is to support healthy lifestyles [by] preventing and reducing substance abuse, and promoting safety across all sectors of the community,” Murray said. “We focus on youth, but include building adult awareness of the factors influencing our community’s children.”

News Briefs ‘Rochester’s Best Dance Crew’ gains attention From the play and musical to the Variety Show Rochester Idol, there are plenty of opportunities for RHS students to show their performing talent. However, one area that hasn’t had much attention is dance.

Student government (Stugo) adviser Mrs. Kelley Cusmano along with Stugo members are hoping to bring dancers into the spotlight with a Rochester’s Best Dance Crew event on January 18.

“We’ve noticed there are a lot of students [who] are really good dancers [who] like to dance for a crowd,” Mrs. Cusmano said.

“We have Rochester Idol, so we thought it would be fun to have a showcase that was a little different from the usual.”

The event, which Stugo chose to put on after polling students last year, is one that will not only provide entertainment, but also help to fund events in the future.

“The event is something that we’ve wanted to do, but is also a fundraising opportunity,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “The money that we make from the event will go towards the juniors and their senior events next year, like prom.”

The ideas for the actual competition are being discussed, but a few elements have already been decided upon.

“The event will be a one night deal, and we’re planning on having judges as well as some sort of theme,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “We’ll keep it simple just because it’s our first time doing something like this, but we need something to tie everything together.”

For Mrs. Cusmano, having a“Rochester’s Best Dance Crew” is a hope of creating another standard RHS event.

“I hope that it becomes an event that people come to expect from the school each year,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “It’s featuring a talent that we don’t cover as much as others.”

By Amy Mackens, Opinion Editor Art workshop awaits approval AP Studio Art Students at RHS, SCHS and AHS will be given a chance to brush up their drawing skills and learn a lesson about diversity with the help of a grant all three schools applied for. “[This workshop] opens up the doorway to examining other ethnicities,” AP Studio Art teacher Mrs. Jessica McLean said. “It will enhance student’s drawing skills, and having these drawings in their portfolios will make [the students] look good for colleges.”

Should the grant be approved, this workshop will be taught at the Administration Building downtown by College of Creative Studies professor Eugene Clark. This workshop could prove to be very helpful to art students.

“Students will be able to take these drawings, scan them into our new Mac computers and turn them into ‘tradigital’ pieces of art,” Mrs. McLean said. “Having a variety of pieces in their portfolio is key.”

A “tradigital” piece is a combination of both traditional mediums, as well as digital mediums. And although this workshop will be beneficial to students, it could also be a learning experience for teachers as well.

“We have plans for the workshop, but it needs to be approved first,” Mrs. McLean said. “It will benefit students and teachers, because [the teachers] will be learning from this experience too. We’ll be able to teach what we learn in the workshops to future classes.”

By Max Kleiner, Editor in Chief Students anticipate Winter Concert On December 16 at 7 p.m. in the RHS auditorium, the choirs’ Winter Concert will take place. It will include many wellknown tunes sung by the concert choir, treble choir and chamber choir.

“We are opening the show with a blast of sound, ‘Carol of the Bells,’” director of RHS choirs Jolene Plotzke said. “Everyone is singing on stage. Past choir members and everyone are welcome to sing along.”

Most songs will be sang by multiple choirs. For the last song, the choirs will be taking a different approach on a holiday favorite. “[Our closing tune is] a soulful take on Handel’s Hallelujah,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “[It’s like a] gospel band with a down south style.”

Although the whole show will feature different choirs, according to Mrs. Plotzke the ending is one of the best parts. “[The closing tune] is the most polished part of the show,” Mrs. Plotzke said.

By Caitlyn McGoldrick, Staff Writer

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Lifestyles

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Anti-gay sentiments run rampant He was afraid. He knew that his friends and family might not accept him anymore. But he wanted to tell them the truth, to let them know about a major part of who he was. So when junior Nick Rinehart was in eighth grade, he told his friends and family that he was gay.

“I was scared about how they would react,” Rinehart said. “It was difficult coming to terms with the idea that some of my friends might not like me anymore due to my sexuality. I was afraid they wouldn’t accept me.”

Like Rinehart, others have faced difficulties because of their sexual orientation. But while he was mainly concerned about his family, some homosexuals have been subjected to constant ridicule and torture from their peers. Around the country, anti-gay sentiments have been running rampant, causing many teens to take their own lives. One of these students was 13-year-old Seth Walsh. His family accepted him for being gay, but his peers did not, causing the boy to hang himself on September 20. He died nine days later.

Walsh was a California resident, but the problem is not limited to one state. At Oakland University, sophomore Corey Jackson committed suicide on October 19. His family claims that Jackson took his own life because he was bullied for being gay.

Fortunately, junior Jay Soulliere said, his homosexuality has not resulted in any bullying like it did for Walsh or Jackson. But for Soulliere, stories of teens who take their own lives because of this ridicule are absolutely heartbreaking.

“It’s awful,” Soulliere said. “I just think that it’s really awful that someone has to kill themselves so they can get salvation from torture.”

Although junior Sarah Rich has never faced a situation like Walsh or Jackson, she said she is similarly upset about the teasing.

“It’s terrible when kids are put down because of their sexual orientation,” Rich said. “They shouldn’t be treated any differently than the

rest of us. The fact that people think it’s okay to ridicule someone about the way they love is just wrong.”

In order to prevent these types of situations, some people have taken action. At Howell High School in Detroit, economics teacher Mr. Jay McDowell was suspended on October 20 for removing a student from his classroom who made anti-gay remarks.

This suspension has created a heated debate around the community. According to Soulliere, the administration had no right to punish the teacher.

“The situation is horrible for that teacher,” Soulliere said. “I think anyone would agree that the student was being completely inappropriate, and the teacher just did what was right. It’s unfortunate that there aren’t more people like this teacher in the world.”

Not only did history teacher Mr. Larry Adams say he agrees with Soulliere, but he also said his actions would have been similar to McDowell’s.

“Based on what he was trying to do, the teacher was right because you have to respect everybody in the classroom,” Mr. Adams said.

“The student wasn’t doing that, and that’s why the teacher threw him out of class. For the teacher to get suspended was wrong; he shouldn’t have gotten suspended. Honestly, I most likely would have done the same thing if a student was acting out like that in my classroom.”

Other steps have been taken to combat anti-gay attitudes as well. This year, RHS has formed the Gay Straight Alliance club (G.S.A.). As the club president, Rinehart said his goal was to provide safety for students of all sexual identities.

“What I really wanted when I started the G.S.A. is to educate my peers about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (L.G.B.T) community,” Rinehart said. “I wanted to provide a safe place for questioning, closeted or out homosexuals.

My one desire is to make RHS a safer and more accepting environment for all students.”

According to Rinehart, acceptance must come from an understanding of the truth behind homosexuality.

At Gay Straight Alliance (G.S.A.) club meetings, students of all sexual orientations gather and discuss acceptance and understanding of all students. Photo by Melanie Sweet

“I think there is quite a bit of misunderstanding about homosexuality,” Rinehart said. “People need to know that homosexuality is not a choice.

I did not ‘decide’ to be gay. I was not exposed to homosexuality at a young age, nor was I raised by distant parents. As far as I’m concerned, my sexuality was determined at conception.”

Regardless of what people choose to believe about homosexuals, Rinehart said it is most important to realize that these are people they love and treat them with dignity.

“There’s too much offensive and damaging language being thrown around without any thinking,” Rinehart said. “People need to realize that L.G.B.T people aren’t ‘those people.’ They are your friends, family and classmates, and they deserve to be respected.”

Across the country, some people choose to protest what they consider to be unfair treatment of homosexuals, like these people did at the St. Paul capitol building Minnesota. Photo by Paul Fibonno

Hunters reflect on deer rifle season

Above: When junior Scott Martin goes hunting, regulations require him to wear an orange vest and carry a centerfire rifle, where the firing pin strikes the primer in the center of the casing rather than the rim. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Louis Martin Right: Some hunters mount certain animals on the walls of rooms in their house to view as trophies of their hunting ventures. Photo

by Austin Bowerman

It’s the Friday before November 15, and I-75 is jam-packed with pickup trucks that have florescent orange hats lying out on their dashboards. Traffic has slowed to a halt. It’s the big buildup of rifle season 2010, and all the hunters are preparing to take to the woods for the new season.

Deer rifle season is from November 15 through November 30. During this time, hunters are able to pursue whitetail deer with a rifle, which is why many say it is the most popular time of year to hunt, opposed to a bow and arrow or a muzzleloader that would be used in other times of the year.

For junior Scott Martin, deer rifle season brings adventure.

“It’s really exciting,” Martin said, “You never know when a deer is going to pop out.”

The excitement is just one of the reasons that some people like hunting.

According to Martin, hunting is a calming experience.

“It’s nice being out in nature, its very peaceful,” Martin said. “And it’s a good time to think.”

Martin’s father, Mr. Louis Martin, said he agrees.

“It’s all about understanding

nature,” Mr. Martin said. “It’s about spending time relaxing in nature, and understanding yourself and how you fit into it.”

However, there are some who completely disagree with this, including freshman Tyler Malaga.

“It is very violent,” Malaga said. “You are killing living creatures.”

Ever since he went hunting with his grandpa, Malaga has disliked the sport.

“It was very peaceful and quiet until the gun went off,” Malaga said.

“I thought about how I would feel if I were to be hunted.

My worst memory from hunting was seeing the animal

getting shot.”

Although it is the worst memory for some, the shot marks the climax of the hunt for many hunters. Martin explained an encounter that he and his father had this past season.

“We heard a noise, and soon after that we saw a deer,” Martin said.

“That’s when my heart started racing.

It walked into my dad’s range and he stood up.

Then I got really excited and he took the shot.”

The thrill of walking up on a downed animal is what keeps many going back out year after year. After tracking and finding the deer with his son, Mr. Martin describes his experience.

“We got down from the stand, and we couldn’t find any blood. Scott was sure that I missed,” Mr. Martin said.

“Then I decided to look around and found it about 80 yards away using the flashlight on my iPhone.

It was a nice young buck.”

Entertainment

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December 2010

Top 5 albums of 2010 Every year, hundreds of albums are released, and every year, a good handful are released to widespread acclaim, and are then completely forgotten. Only a few grow to be something special. Here are the top five albums of 2010. These five albums truly live up to the hype and will be remembered long after most of us are gone.

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Das Racist-”Shut Up, Dude”

Kanye West-”My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”

Deerhunter-”Halcyon Digest”

Girl Talk-”All Day”

Girls-”Broken Dreams Club”

A truly remarkable effort reminiscent of early Beastie Boys, Das Racist consists of Himanshu “Heems” Suri and Victor “Kool A.D.” Vasquez, most famous for the Internet fluke “hit,” “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.” Das Racist’s songs have an irreverent, playful nature; rhymes loaded with pop culture references and surprisingly solid production, all of which is featured in “Shut Up, Dude.” Songs like “Rainbow in the Dark” and “Shorty Said” makes it look like there’s nothing to making absolutely fantastic raps and will get stuck in the listener’s head for days on end. Das Racist’s second mixtape, “Sit down, Man,” is worth a shot as well, showing the same brilliance seen here.

2010 was a great year for rap, and “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is undeniable proof. Kanye West is back yet again from 2008’s “808’s and Heartbreak” to bring the world “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” an album instantly released to universal acclaim and with good reason. This album is consistently brilliant with some of the best production to come out of the entire rap genre.

Kanye and guests including Jay-Z and Raekwon put together truly remarkable songs with incredible energy and very memorable, relevant lyrics, which one needs to hear to believe. “Runaway” is a definite best-song-of-2010 candidate. This could be the peak of West’s career.

Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox is a modern-day musical hero. Every album he has participated in thus far has been fantastic, and his unparalleled consistency continues on “Halcyon Digest,” Deerhunter’s fourth album.

Cox’s hypnotic, whispery singing voice and buzzing guitar impressed critics and fans alike. The instrumentation is charming and energetic, and Deerhunter manages to sound completely different from their past releases while still sounding exactly like themselves. “Don’t Cry” and “Sailing” are high points, although there aren’t really distinct low points, just lower points. Overall, a very enjoyable release from a very talented band.

Girl Talk is certainly one of the more innovative artists in recent memory. Girl Talk’s albums consist of mashups of short samples of popular songs, creating something completely new out of things many recognize. “All Day” was released as a free download similar to 2008’s “Feed The Animals” and contains the same kind of danceable energy.

Girl Talk, also known as Greg Gillis, is unparalleled in his mashup abilities, and allows the listener to enjoy both the created music and the original music. And since it’s free, there’s really nothing for the listener to lose in giving it a shot. The album was meant to be released as one singular track, so don’t skip through anything.

After 2009’s “Album,” Girls have a lot to live up to. On “Broken Dreams Club,” Girls certainly delivered, taking the same stellar musicianship and adding a slicker production sound, this EP is not one to be missed. Girls have been compared to bands like Elvis Costello and the Beach Boys, and with good reason. There’s a certain old-fashioned simplicity to Girls’ songs that isn’t really prevalent in a lot of pop music today. Lyrically and musically speaking, Girls are very simplistic, but the energy, emotion and production really tie up their songs into a nice package, creating something that should sound dated but doesn’t. Watch for their next album, expected early next year.

Black Ops creates better gaming experience From wager matches, zombies and seemingly unlimited class and weapon customization, it’s no doubt that Call of Duty Black Ops has a lot to offer.

Finally here’s a game to play where one doesn’t have to worry about noob tube wars at the beginning of each game or being knifed from 10 feet away, like in Modern Warfare 2.

The campaign in Black Ops is a major step up from MW2. In Black Ops, game producers have added many cool, new things to the game that give the player a more engaged experience and allow them to see the game from a different angle.

When looking back at MW2, about the only change the player got was the “breach and clear” scenes where you breach through doors in slow motion. Not only are there a ton of these incorporated into Black Ops game play, but there also many other scenarios that change up the game and keep it interesting. In certain levels, you even get to fly helicopters.

However, the campaign is not perfect for a few reasons. First off,

This is a screenshot of the newest Call of Duty (COD) game, Black Ops. Photo by Brian Palmer

the enemies seem to always run to the same exact spot over and over again, and immediately after shooting one, another comes and fills his place.

On top of this, the plot is somewhat confusing until the very end, and it is hard to know what is going on until the game is complete. Also, the ending was not an epic knife to the head like in Modern Warfare 2 where a player gets

to actually aim the knife, or a slowmotion kill, like Call of Duty 4 where players shoot the main enemy with a pistol. Instead the ending is not at all epic or interactive. It just shows the main character drowning the enemy, and all you do is tap a button to kill him.

Though the Black Ops campaign has many new and interesting features,

the area that Black Ops shines the most in is Xbox live game play. There are so many new and interesting things that have been added to this new Call of Duty that a player can feel overwhelmed. One neat thing that has been added is a points system called COD (Call Of Duty) points.

In Black Ops, players use their cod points to purchase weapons, weapon

attachments, perks and pretty much everything else that goes into a class.

This is a better alternative to having to unlock everything, because players can get what they want right off the bat.

As if it weren’t enough just changing up the class customization, Black Ops also has a cool new game mode called wager matches, where players are able to gamble their cod points against others. Not all things in black ops are new, however. Zombies, previously known from Call of Duty World at War, has been resurrected and is better than ever in Black Ops. Every game struggles somewhere, and with Black Ops, it’s the graphics.

The guns look like metal pieces of garbage, and the snow looks like crumbled paper. The game makes the Call of Duty series seem like it is regressing, because Modern Warfare 2 had far superior graphics.

All in all, if it was not for the graphics, Black Ops would be a 10 out of 10, but because the looks matter so much in a game, it is an eight out of 10. In the end Black Ops is a game that will hopefully continue to provide players with a hacker-free game and a great gaming experience.

Allstar Weekend’s ‘Suddenly Yours’ falls very short Leave it to the Disney Channel to push another group of pretty-faced boys who can’t actually play instruments to fame.

This time it’s a motley crew of young men called Allstar Weekend, who “earned” their claim to fame on the Disney Channel’s music special, “the Next Big Thing.” Although they didn’t win the competition, they somehow managed to get a record deal out the arrangement.

Finally stepping out into the public, the boys of Allstar Weekend place their hopes in their first full-length album, “Suddenly.” Each song on their first release is a trite ode to teen-age frivolity: girls, parties, cars and the cornerstone to any Disney-fueled musical calamity:

the trials and tribulations of love. A love, for the record, that none of the four band members have probably ever experienced.

What “Suddenly” boils down to is formula, the ultimate result being a nauseating fusion of Jonas Brothers and Metro station, of pseudo-punk rock and synthesizers.

Despite Allstar Weekend’s clear lack of talent, their music does have one fleeting redeeming quality: it’s all incredibly catchy.

Granted, the quartet probably had no part in the music-writing process.

But I have to hand it to the guys over at Disney music; they really know how to get songs stuck in your head. Leading off the endless stream of mediocrity is “Hey Princess,” which employs an upbeat tempo, sunny lyrics and the everpopular synthesizer.

But hold on, there’s more to these

boys that just good times; they’re really deep. Really. They have quite a charming romantic side (unexpected of you, Disney. Bravo). Their sappy dispositions show through mainly in the electro-orchestral ballad “Amy.” Really, there’s nothing more to it. The overall message: “Oh girl, you change my life,” has been said once or twice or thousands of times before.

But the cherry on top of this incredibly bland excuse for a band is the fact that every song is the same. In the end, this superficial looking group of boys does absolutely nothing groundbreaking or remotely interesting.

Allstar Weekend serves up an album factory-style: a simple package and some plastic wrap but nothing special.

Allstar Weekend’s album cover for ‘Suddenly Yours’.’ Photo by Max Kleiner

Talon the

December 2010

Feature

5

Former coach seeks adventure If walking home is something to whine about to you, well, imagine walking 280 miles over 30 days through snow, rain and mountains.

It’s 28 degrees outside, snow is on the ground and former math teacher and coach Mr. Hal Commerson is wading into a river in the Appalachian mountains along the Appalachian trail gathering water to purify.

With near frostbitten hands carrying water safe to drink, Commerson, along with friends Dave Werk and Vance Helleman realized they have a long way to go to

their goal: Hot Springs, North Carolina. But they did it.

“I was tired, but I had a great deal of satisfaction,” Mr. Commerson said, looking through a pair of rounded glasses. “When we were descending the mountain, we were so happy we made it. [We were] nearly jumping up and down.”

From the start, Commerson has been athletic, playing baseball as a kid and running track in high school to running multiple marathons and five-k’s at the age of 62.

“Boston was my first marathon,” he said. “I felt great [crossing the finish line], except my left foot w a s sore.”

Mr. Commerson with his wife and grandson

While at RHS, he coached girl’s basketball and track—which gave him his greatest coaching accomplishments: two cross country state championships, in 1978 and 2002.

“I love coaching all my sports,” he said smiling, reflecting on the many great moments and players he has coached. “You get the opportunity to work a group of players into a team who will play for one another for a common goal: win.”

Today, when he’s not back in the classroom as a sub, he loves to read, currently “a lot of history, especially books by W. EB Griffen,” learned to play bridge and “deal black jack,” he added with a chuckle. Commerson dealt at a casino in Lafton, Nevada after retiring.

As for the future, though, he has had many adventures and stories to pass along with his grandchildren— meeting former first lady Barbara Bush, coaching Washington Wizard Paul Davis “the greatest player he’s ever coached,” and serving in Vietman to list a few—he wants more.

“I want as many [adventures] as possible,” Mr. Commerson said, “Watching my grandchildren grow, enjoying life with my wife Gale and taking life day by day.”

Mr. Commerson takes a break and poses for a picture while hiking in the Appalacian Mountains. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Hal Commerson

After a long career of coaching, Mr. Commerson was inducted into the RHS Hall of Fame in 2008. His plaque hangs in the hallway across from the main gym. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

Technology becomes an obsession

Junior Sally Walsh uses the B123 computer lab for schoolwork during one of her classes.

Although school computers block out many social networking sites, many students log onto these sites before or after school hours. Photo by Emily Hayward

For much of the world, using social media websites and other technology has become like an addiction. Some people might compare this addiction to smoking, both in the power the obsession holds as well as the potentially negative effects that can result. Graphic by Mark Smickilas

Over the years, technology has undergone dramatic changes. From celebrities to social networking, it seems almost everything has progressed as new technological advances are made. Much of this progression makes using technology easier, which can make it more addicting. Graphic by Ming Lee

After a long day of school, freshman Charlie Witten places his backpack onto floor next to his chair.

When he realizes he doesn’t have any homework, Witten excitedly logs on to Facebook, a popular social networking site, and plays Farmville.

“Facebook is perfect for when I’m bored,” Witten said. “It’s nice to see what everyone is up to or keep in touch with my family. And Farmville is a fun game to get my mind off of things. It’s just fun.”

While not everyone plays Farmville, thousands of people use technology every day, especially social networking sites. According to a study done by the Parent-Teen Cell Phone Organization in 2009, teens spend an average of seven and a half hours a day creating and absorbing media on these types of sites.

For junior Kirstin Byszkowski, there are indicators that reveal when someone is overusing technology.

“When someone is so overly addicted to it, they stop paying attention to the people around them because they’re more concerned about something else going on in

Bus driver inspires change By the dozen, students file into bus 660. They wave to their friends, throw their backpacks on the seats and sit down. Few of them notice the bus driver, Mr. Henry Drake, and the smile he gives them. None of them know anything about his life.

They don’t know that he lived out in the country as a child, where it was “just like the old time movies,” and that his parents made him the person he is today. His role model is his father, who “always told the truth, even if it meant stepping on people’s toes.”

They don’t know that he worked at General Motors for 37 years, eight of which as a first responder. When his coworkers slipped into a diabetic shock or had an accident, his team would administer shots or CPR. For Mr. Drake, being part of a team that saved lives was “the most rewarding thing imaginable.”

They don’t know that the most important thing in Mr. Drake’s life is his relationship with God. An

Every day, Mr. Henry Drake drives students on bus 660 back home after school. As they walk off the bus, he smiles at each one of them and wishes them well. Photo by Emily Hayward

occasional Gospel songwriter, he tries to praise God every day.

“No matter how lonely I might be physically, I’m never alone,” Mr. Drake said. “I always have Him with me.”

They don’t know that Mr. Drake’s goal in life is to go to the east coast and watch the sun rise, then fly to the west coast the same day and watch the sun set. They don’t know

that he wishes things could go back to the way they once were, back to when people were honest and were looking out for each other, back to “the basics.”

As students step off of the bus, they are focused solely on getting home. Few of them notice Mr. Drake, the smile he gives them, or the “Ya’ll have a great night!” he leaves every single student with.

their ‘cyber-world,’” Byszkowski said. “You know you’re using Facebook too much if you can scroll down to the bottom of your profile and see that the last post was your status from an hour ago.”

Obsessions like these can sometimes lead to extreme reactions.

On October 28, a scandal arose when Florida resident Alexandra Tobias killed her three-month-old son Dylan because he was crying while she was trying to play Farmville. Across the country, people like math teacher Mrs. Lisa Gotko were stunned to hear Tobias’s story.

“It’s appalling,” Mrs. Gotko said. “It’s hard to believe that it was truly because she was playing a [computer] game; I have to wonder that anytime I hear a story like this.

It’s disgusting. Having a baby is hard, but you obviously don’t do that.”

Like Mrs. Gotko, Witten said he was outraged by the woman’s actions. However, he also said that he was more afraid for the implications her decision makes on society.

“That woman is crazy,” Witten said. “I’m scared knowing that this could continue and other people might act out like she did. If that happens, these games should be set with some kind of limit where you can’t play them too often or

something.”

Even if an individual is not completely obsessed with technology, Mrs. Gotko said there are other ways it can be harmful.

“Conversations that should take place face-to-face aren’t anymore,” Mrs. Gotko said. “When you’re sending someone an e-mail, it could be interpreted in a couple different ways because you just can’t hear the tone. Sometimes, I’ll be e-mailing someone where I’m trying to be funny, but then I’ll read it and realize they won’t know I’m joking. It could be interpreted totally wrong.”

However, Witten said that technology can be also beneficial.

“Technology can be helpful sometimes,” Witten said. “My cousin serves in the army and tours overseas, but he likes to play Farmville. It helps him because it releases his stress. And technology is a great way to talk with people you don’t see very often.”

According to Witten, the key to using technology is being cautious.

“I use technology every day,” Witten said. “But it doesn’t mean I’m addicted or obsessed with it. It just meant that I stay connected with my family and friends. Technology is okay, but I don’t want to devote my life to it.”

Freshman keeps positive focus The first time I met freshman Natalie Henderson, she was not pleased with me. It was September, and I was sitting at a table during third lunch selling school papers.

I called out to her as she walked past, telling her to buy a Talon.

After a pause, she began to protest.

Henderson told me all the reasons that she would not and could not buy a paper from me.

The conversation continued on through lunch, and escalated to the point where she was deterring people from the table, telling them not to buy the Talon. It was the exact same story in October, and at this point I looked at Henderson with a mix of both extreme frustration and amusement.

But according to Henderson, the way that she acts at school is just the surface.

Below that surface are stories.

Stories of six siblings and five separate moves. Stories of an adopted brother whose mom planned to leave him on a doorstep at five months old due to her excessive drug

use. Stories of her father running his own church in Detroit and her mother being laid off. Stories of spending so much of her time with her family and then watching them all graduate and move away. Stories of fights, threats and depression and somehow always managing to get her way out of trouble throughout middle school.

These stories are the part of Henderson that’s submerged below face-value. These stories, although not in plain view, are the most important because of what they show. They show where she’s been.

They show what she’s done. They show a person who can learn. A person who can see negatives as things to grow upon; things to help appreciate the positives. Her stories are not only memories, but who she is.

6 Staff Editorial:

Opinion

Talon the

December 2010

Teens are ignorant of school issues RHS students are unaware about the world around them, specifically when it comes to conflicts within the community and in the school It would seem that something as big as a new teacher contract finally being decided upon after 18 months of negotiation would make colossal waves within the school, but for the most part, the agreement went unnoticed by the student body. This lack of interest has brought to light the truth in the depressing stereotype that teenagers are completely self-involved.

The fact that an overwhelming number of kids fit this mold is disappointing and illogical. So many of the issues that teenagers leave to their parents to figure out directly concern kids. Even if minors have little say in the matter, being informed is an important step in having a more educated society, as well as kicking the “teenagers don’t care about anything” stereotype.

Plenty of concerns within the district in the past year have been problems that directly affect students in a huge way. Things like outsourcing support staff or hiking up pay-toparticipate prices have an immediate effect on students. Instead of being indifferent, students should voice their opinions and become invested in their

community.

It may seem like caring about local issues doesn’t matter now, but being involved in problems that affect kids can make for a more well-rounded and educated student. Educated students lead to educated adults and ultimately educated voters. Starting now can set high school students up for becoming informed adults, which will only benefit society.

It doesn’t make sense that teenagers should lie down and accept the stereotype that is put upon them. There are high school kids who care, and it should be a goal for more people to prove the saying wrong by taking the step to get up-to-date on issues they are involved in.

Some may say students don’t have a say, therefore don’t need to be concerned or even aware of the issues going on around them. Everyone is entitled to know what’s going on in their community, and regardless of what students can do, it is still important, even natural, to care about how it will affect them.

Overall, there has been a trend of students being unaware of what is happening around them. Despite the fact that it will be some time before most high school students’ opinions are recognized by society, it is still important to care about local issues because decisions reached can directly affect teenagers, and being knowledgeable will help our generation become more educated for the future and shed this self-centered image that has been created.

“

Teenagers today don’t care about community issues because they focus too much on their own drama.

“

”

“

Most kids care about many issues, but the problem is that teens don’t have an informed and educated opinion on those issues.

Aaron Kuhn, junior

News Editor Nate Barton

Teens need to realize that it’s not all about them and that there are larger issues at hand.

Carolyn Berwick,

junior

government States spying quoted the on UN Bahrainians countries. on the Although our matter of government Iran nuclear has become weapons. exactly what According to they try to Wi k i l eak s . prevent, com, the corruption, Bahrainians the main r a i s e d question that c oncern remains is in one should these s t a t e m e nt documents made by be released, King Hamad even though on Nov. 4, they catch 2009, “[King our leaders H a m a d ] red handed? a r g u e d More is forcefully for at stake than taking action the obvious to terminate embarrassment [Iran’s] nuclear of the A propaganda poster against the Wikileaks and its founder, Julian Assange, for releasing highly program, by government. classified U.S. gov’t documents. Source: Creative whatever means The potential Commons necessary. ‘The loss of allied danger of letting it go on is greater countries lingers, along with distrust than the danger of stopping it.’” King of America as a diplomatic partner.

Hamad had no intentions of releasing These cables are on pace to escalate this statement to the public. tensions in the Middle East as well.

Such quotes in these documents In these documents, the American

Max Kleiner, senior

”

“

There are more kids who don’t care than those who do, which is sad. Although, there are some who do care.

Taylor Holmes,

senior

create concerns for an already unstable Middle East. The potential threats to America and other nations are not worth the public knowledge gained from these documents.

Although this country is a democracy and the people reserve the right for a truthful government, these documents were kept private for a reason.

Governments have turned their back to the abuse of human rights, but for a far greater cause: the security of the nation.

According to Wikileaks.com, statements made by President Hosni Mubarak on July 31, 2008, “[Iranians] sponsor terrorism,” are quotes from private conversations that have no business being publicly expressed.

Concerns should not only be taken by the government, but by the people as well; concerns for the public safety, the future of American allies and the future of the government/people relationship. These United States cables will definitely cause havoc for America and its people. All the nation can do is wait while all of these documents are released throughout the next few months and anticipate the events that will unfold because of this government mistake.

Lagniappe loses its small-town charm Katie Krako Sports Editor Every year downtown Rochester holds the tradition known as Lagniappe or the tradition of smalltown merchants handing out token gifts. This tradition also consists of the lighting of the Christmas tree and the town’s newest addition of turning on the lights that cover all the buildings up and down Main Street. But as the tradition continues to become more popular, it also seems to be losing its small town charm.

The main participants in Lagniappe used to consist of families who live in Rochester and only a few people who live out of town. But in the last couple years Lagniappe has drawn in around 30,000 people; a majority of this 30,000 live out of town. Downtown Rochester is small and Main Street only consists

Editor in Chief Max Kleiner Feature Editor Emily Hayward

” ” Wikileaks causes safety concerns

America is based on a Democracy; a government system in which the people trust the leaders to provide the truth. This country was first led by George Washington, who was known to not tell lies, but that ability has been absent among recent leaders. The government camouflages its true identity behind a façade of trustworthy intentions; however, the statement, nothing lasts forever, seems to fit this situation. Recently, 251,287 confidential documents created by the United States embassy have been released for the general public on Wikileaks. These government cables cover a lot of matters and leave the American people asking questions about the honesty of our government.

Dating back to December 1966, these cables hold secret information about foreign countries, both allied and enemy. Some of these documents even have accounts of the United

The Talon

of three blocks, which means the street is packed and crowded with people pushing and shoving.

This tradition has become more of a competition to get tables at best restaurants and the best spots for the viewing of the lights, which takes the fun out spending time with family and friends and adds a level of stress.

Spending time with family and friends is one of the main purposes of Lagniappe, but now the main reason for attending this small town tradition for many is to solely collect free gifts from the merchants on Main Street. These participants take away some of the holiday atmosphere which cause people, like me, to leave when this tradition comes to town.

With new tour buses packed with people anxious to see the lights, Lagniappe has become more like business, seeking profits wherever they can. Because Lagniappe is run like a

business, the profit has become more important than interacting with friends and neighbors during the holidays.

Lagniappe has brought in a lot of more money for Rochester, and the tradition seems to be attracting more people every year.

Although more money and people is a good thing, the main purpose of Lagniappe seems to be fading away.

And because the main purpose is fading, this could cause people from Rochester to leave when this tradition comes to town.

With the charm gone and an increasing number of unfamiliar faces, the so called “timeless” tradition of Lagniappe is not what it used to be. It is much less personable and has lost its reputation as small-town Christmas celebration.

Main Street in downtown Rochester is lit up on Lagniappe 2009, the first night of the Big Bright Light Show. Photo by Amy Mackens

Lifestyles Editor Melanie Sweet Entertainment Editor Katie Ziraldo Opinion Editor Amy Mackens Sports Editor Katie Krako Website Editor Aaron Kuhn Website Designer Justin Murphy Business Manager Madison Reitzel Staff Writers Carolyn Berwick Austin Bowerman Taylor Holmes Steven McConnell Caitlyn McGoldrick Brian Palmer Jenna Rocco Ben Simko Adviser Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

Mission Statement The Talon presents an open forum for student expression to be used by the Rochester High School community to promote and express thought and action.

The stories, opinions, and bylined content in The Talon do not necessarily represent and should not be interpreted as the views of the Rochester Community School Board of Education or any of its staff, faculty, or employees.

Unless otherwise noted, all stories and opinions expressed here are the views of The Talon staff which is comprised of students in the Journalism II class of Rochester High School.

The Talon believes it is its duty and right to inform, educate, influence and entertain its readers and will do this by exercising the First Amendment Rights as defined in the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Talon is devoted to professional journalism and fairness in all reporting. The Talon will adhere to a standard of responsible journalism and will refrain from publishing material which is legally libelous, obscene or could disrupt the operation of the school.

Letters The Talon accepts letters to the editor from all concerned parties. The Talon reserves the right to screen and/or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length. All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board.

Mailing address: The Talon 180 S. Livernois Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307 E-mail: jsatterthwaite@rochester.k12. mi.us

Talon the

December 2010

7

Sports

Wrestlers prepare for new season “ Senior Jameson Joyce sizes up his opponent, trying to figure out how to get a pin and a victory for the wrestling team. Then, after contemplating his next move, he goes in for a shot--an attack on the legs--just as his opponent sprawls, pulling down his legs as fast and hard as possible. Seconds after, Joyce feels a pain in his right knee and finds out later he tore his right knee meniscus and would miss the rest of his junior year. But he’s trying to make a comeback.

“My biggest improvement has been on top,” Joyce said. “And I had to relearn everything again, and I feel like it’s coming back to me pretty well.”

According to head coach Frank Lafferty, working together is necessary for the team to be successful this season.

“We’ve been mostly working on team unity,” Lafferty said. “Wrestling is an individual sport, but we feel the kids wrestle better when they wrestle like a team. If the whole team is better, the individual is better.”

Though many players have high expectations, sophomore James Wood is an exception.

“I was second in states last year, and I hope to do better than that,” Wood said. “This year I have got a lot better and been practicing more

My goals are pretty high. I want to go to states. It’s just a really big benchmark ... And once you’re all state, you’re an all state wrestler for life and no one can take that away from you.

Junior Cody Devoe wrestles in the top position against senior Brian Jose. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

than last year. Also, my technique on moves and on take downs has gotten better.”

As a team, state finals are a goal as well.

“Obviously we’d like to be in the state finals,” Lafferty said. “That is every coach’s goal. I don’t know

what we’ll do, but it’s better to have a lofty goal then a lower goal. This team has a lot of potential. Will we do it? I don’t know, but that’s our goal.”

Joyce wants to go to states as well.

“My goals are pretty high … I

want to go to states. It’s just a really big benchmark that sets you apart from everyone else,” Joyce said.

“And once you’re all state, you’re an all state wrestler for life and no one can take that away from you. “ Coach Lafferty says hard work will allow the team to reach their

Jameson Joyce,

senior

”

goals.

“They’re just like every other kid in America, but they work hard,” Lafferty said. “I could list every player on the team [that has potential and works hard]. We can win a competition a lot of different ways.

We’re not like football that has a quarterback and a wide receiver star.

It’s a team effort.”

As for Joyce, even if he doesn’t make states, he’ll feel successful as long as he helps the team.

“If I help the team a lot and get many pins and wins I’d consider that a success,” Joyce said. “We’re going to have a really good team this year, a lot of kids are focused, they know what they want to do and I’m glad to be back.”

JV hockey works to reach goals Though there are only a few games in the books, and the JV united hockey team has a record of 1-2: a 4-2 loss to Stoney Creek, a 8-0 loss to Eisenhower and a 4-3 win over University of Detroit Jesuit.

Regardless, according to head coach Arnie Vandercruyssen, the team’s future is bright.

“We’re having a good season,” he said. “We’re a young team. We’re coming around. Our goalies have done an outstanding job this season of keeping us in games, and we’re starting to play good, disciplined hockey, which is what we need to do.”

A possible reason for the success of goalies junior Gabe Store and Adams sophomore Zachary Boes is the help of their teammates.

“My personal strength has been protecting the goalie,” freshmen Nick Hymes said. “They keep us in the game a lot, and we just need to help them out. If we do that, I hope we can have at least a winning season, do really good and beat out every single team.”

Junior captain Craig Renny said the team is strong.

“We got a lot of fast guys who are nice, strong players,” Renny said.

“We play heads-up, and we know what we’re doing. We got a lot of

smart guys and should have a decent record at the end of the year.”

Coach Vandercruyssen agrees and gives most of the credit to the captains and veteran players.

“We hustle,” Vandercruyssen said. “We like to get down and get in the crease, and we’re scoring some goals that way. The captains who are veteran guys that have done a great job with good leadership are good leaders, good players, and they play with all their heart.”

Some think that a team that knows each other will work well together.

Hymes agrees.

“I know every single person on this team,” Hymes said. “The better you know the players, you know their strengths and weaknesses, and it helps the chemistry.”

Although there are positives, the team does still want to work on sharpening their skills.

“We need to work on breakouts, transitions, passing, shooting, and basically everything because it would make us a better team,” Renny said. “If you put the whole package together, you have a better team. If you have only half a team ,you’re obviously not as good as you can be.”

But even with weaknesses, the team appears to have a strong chance to win. “We’re a young team. We got a good season ahead of us,” Vandercruyssen said. “We’ve got to pick up the tempo, [but if] we do that, we’re going to be strong.”

The Michigan Mighty Ducks is comprised of students from RHS, Adams High School and one from Brother Rice. Over the summer, the guys were inspired by the World Cup and started playing soccer together. Photo by Martha Ridgway

Indoor soccer provides unique athletic opportunity for students As senior Chris Saber passes and weaves the ball with Rochester Adams senior Jack Ridgway, Coach Andy Ridgway watches for potential areas of improvement.

“I love soccer,” Coach Ridgway said. “To see a group of boys who are so interested in the sport is a great thing. The boys are motivated and work very hard, so they are a pleasure to coach.”

With 18 players, The Michigan Mighty Ducks consists of students from Rochester, Adams and one from Brother Rice.

“Playing with my friends from Adams is so beneficial,” senior Brad McCauley said. “I get to see them more often at practices and games. I see them two or three times a week.

Before soccer I would see them once every two weeks.”

Not only are these students teammates, but according to senior Zac Mitchell, they are also close friends.

“Most of us have known one another since middle school,” Mitchell said. “After middle school we had to go to different schools, but with soccer we can hang out more.”

Although they all play together on the team, not all of them have played soccer against club teams.

“We have many kids who have never played a competitive soccer game,” Coach Ridgway said. “We also have some really accomplished players, but yet they all fit together really well and are good friends. The rookies are not intimidated. And the experienced players are happy to encourage and support them.”

Soccer has become important to this group of friends over the last year.

“I played a lot of soccer over

the summer after the World Cup,” Saber said. “I’ve been on a RARA basketball team the last two years, but this year we went with soccer.”

The team has a mix of players and is unsure of the skill level to expect from other teams in the league.

“I expect to go above .500,” senior Michael Lordon said. “I want to surprise a lot of organized soccer teams.”

The team has only played one game this season, and they left the field with a tie.

“We are looking for two things from the players,” Coach Ridgway said. “They have to work hard and have a smile on their face. If we get that from every player, this season will be a great experience for everyone involved with the team. It’s my role as the coach to get these two key things from each player. Based on the team spirit and chemistry, we have. It is not a difficult job at all.”

The Michigan Mighty Ducks roster:

Junior Danny Jackson goes in for a shot against University of Detroit Jesuit High School.

Unite won by a score of 4-3. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

Students from Adams Seniors Alex Czimmer, Nick Harmon, Greg Peterson, Jack Ridgway, Joey Cesioni, Nick Scaratelli, Andrew Lockman

Students from Rochester Seniors Nick Decker, Trip Brennan, Matt Goethals, Jacob Seidel, Mike Kmiec, Chris Saber, Brady Crites, Zac Mitchell, Brad

McCauley, Steven McConnell, Michael Lordon and sophomore John Doroshewitz Student from Brother Rice Matt Ogren

Sports

8

Talon the

December 2010

Sports Briefs

Girls freshman basketball works for success

Stoney Creek alumnus Alex Blaty.

Junior Scott Martin.

Stoney Creek alumnus Merrick Daughtery turning while going down a hill.

Junior Scott Martin skiing down a slope.

Though they have come from two different middle schools, Reuther and West, the freshman girls basketball team is coming together to succeed.

“We want to improve our overall basketball skills and our offense,”freshman Gemma Najar said. “We all are really good friends.”

Coach Haney said he has many hopes for the girls over the course of the season.

“I hope to improve with feeling comfortable with the ball under pressure, understanding team concepts both offensively and defensively, being more of a threat to score, how to work together as a team to achieve a common goal,” Coach Haney said. “I also want [the girls] to enjoy the experience of being together as a team and representing our school.”

Freshman Morgan Saunders wants to improve all of her skills on the court. “[I want] to become a better basketball player, to have a good season, and to become better as a team,” Saunders said.

Saunders said she appreciates that coach Haney pushes them to be the best they can be.

“He’s a good coach,” Saunders said. “He pushes us past our limits that we don’t think is possible.”

By Carolyn Berwick, Staff Writer

Varsity boys basketball team prepares for the season

With start of the winter sports season, the varsity boys basketball team is preparing for the season ahead. Many players are excited as they anticipate the new season.

“I’m excited to be a part of [the team this year],” junior Jan Plzak said. “I can see us going far in the playoffs this time.”

The first game was on December 14 after multiple scrimmages. Some players feel that scrimmages are accurate representations of how the season will go as a whole.

“I feel great about [the season] after our scrimmage,” junior Kurt Apostle said.

“I saw that we have something great, and we just got to bring it out and use it.

According to Plzak, the team is optimistic about their chances this year.

“We have many great players who bring something different to the team,” Plzak said. “I’m excited to be a part of it all.”

By Nate Barton, News Editor Stoney alumnus Mike Smith. Top Middle (snowflake): Rochester alumnus Matt Latarewicz..

Middle: RHS sophomore Jaqueline Zuke. All photos Courtesy of Aly Rosenau

Rochester alumnus Kelly Novak nearing the finish line.

Rochester Ski team faces changes As winter approaches, the RHS ski team is preparing for another season.

Although there may not be enough snow to ski, the team is still getting ready through conditioning sessions right at the school.

The team has a broad variety of members this year. They have some beginners and some who have been racing for many years. This season brings many changes for the ski team, including a new coach, Mr. Shawn King.

“This is my first year coaching at Rochester High,” coach King said. “I’ve coached at other schools, been a ski instructor for 20 years and also been involved with the Thunderbolt racing organization at Pine Knob and Mount Holly.”

However, there are more adjustments to be made for this year than just getting used to a new coach. They have lost several senior skiers from last year, leaving them with fewer experienced racers. One of which is junior Taylor Clift, who is one of the captains of the team.

“We’re hoping that things go well this year,” Clift said. “We have a new coach, a new assistant coach, and we lost a lot of seniors. Most of us are pretty young this year, but hopefully it will turn out okay.”

The more experienced racers are teaching the new members and making sure the team is prepared for the season ahead.

“A lot of the areas at Pine Knob are blocked off right now since there isn’t enough snow,” coach King said. “But for our first practices we’ll be covering the basics for our newer members. We’re just setting the foundation for the inexperienced members to build off of. And with the support of our team captains and the older racers, I’m sure they’ll learn quickly.”

The ski team isn’t like most other school sports. The team combines boys and girls, and also varsity with junior varsity for all practices,

bringing t h e team closer together.

“The ski team is a lot more like a family,” sophomore Olivia Bessey said. “We ski more for fun than we do for competition. But this year we plan to be more focused on winning too.”

Last year wasn’t a bad season, but the team is always looking for improvement. When the hills at Pine Knob open up, they will practice going through gates and gaining speed down the hill to improve their times.

“Right now we have conditioning Mondays through Thursdays,” Bessey said. “We run around the school, the track and on the bleachers to get in shape. Once it starts snowing more, we’ll go to Pine Knob and start out real practices.”

Starting fresh as the new coach, coach King is very excited for the season to begin.

“Basically our goal right now is to build friendships and become a closer as a team,” coach King said. “We’ve done a lot of conditioning, and so far there haven’t been any obvious issues. The team captains, [Clift and junior Scott Martin], are all really good at keeping everyone in order.”

With the first meet fast-approaching, the

RHS diver breaks records

Even after breaking the school record for girls dive, junior Lauren Reedy continued to succeed. At state finals Reedy placed seventh, and was the only non-senior in the top eight.

“I was really proud of myself; my goal going into the season was to make top 16 at states so I definitely exceeded my expectations,” Reedy said. “I worked really hard and put in a lot of hours to get to seventh in the state and it’s nice to know my hard work is paying off.”

Reedy devoted herself to diving, and because of placing so high in states she has allowed herself to gain more reasons for college scouts to notice her talent.

“Placing seventh qualifies me for all state so I got a medal and an all state certificate and I get a patch for my varsity jacket,” Reedy said. “Being all-state as a junior also looks really good to college coaches.”

Reedy still has senior year ahead of her and she has set even higher goals for herself.

“Next year I want to go undefeated meaning I want to take first in all my dual meets and hopefully counties, leagues, regional’s and states as well,” Reedy said.

By Katie Krako, Sports Editor

Boys swim team makes goals

whole team is preparing to be serious competitors and have a good time.

Alex Blaty “It’s a lot of fun to flying down coach a ski team,” coach the slope.

Photo by Aly King said. “I love watching the kids improve as they go through Rosenau the season. And seeing kids progress from freshman through senior year as a skier is very rewarding. You first start out with a bunch of kids you don’t know, but as the season goes on, we get to know each other better and become like a family.”

Though the sport is more individual, many swimmers on the boys swim and dive team have personal and team goals going into the new season.

“As an individual, I want to be tired after every single race, knowing I gave it all I had,” junior Ben August said. “As a team, league champions, of course.”

Junior Ani Mayasandra wants to improve on his strokes.

“I want to work all the strokes other than free style because those are the one’s I’m slow in,” Mayasandra said. “Also, I hope to drop 10 seconds off all my times and win leagues as a team.”

While performance in the water is a priority, for August, part of being successful is having a well-balanced life.

“I feel like I’m a bit faster in the water,” August said, “[But] mostly I want to work on the delicate balance of academics and a highly demanding sport.”

By Aaron Kuhn, Website Editor

YOU CAN’T STOP THE

BEAT

Junior Aisha Willaims performs “Welcome to the Sixties.” Williams sang in a total of four songs as one of three of the Dynamites. The Dynamites performed solos in both “Welcome to the Sixties” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

The Hatchling December 2010

DECEMBER 16, 2010 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

The Hatchling December 2010

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Amy Mackens Opinion Editor With this year’s musical production already established on Broadway and in film, many believed it would be a sure success. What was not expected was the extreme magnitude of that success. “Hairspray,” which ran from November 18 to November 21, was shown an unprecedented five times with four sellout productions. “[We decided to] give the public what they want[ed],” director and English teacher Mr. Frank Gollon said. “When we realized that all four shows would sell out, we responded to the numerous requests to add another performance.”

The fifth show was decided upon during the week of the production, and for some of the cast, adding an extra show was tiring yet beneficial.

“I was so tired ... as was the rest of the cast, but it gave a lot of us a taste of what it is like running a full scale professional production,” senior Connor Antenucci said. “With the two dress rehearsals, Wednesday matinee and the performances, we essentially performed a week in a Broadway show.”

Other cast members like senior John Haga simply saw the additional performance as a privilege.

“The fifth show was something that I was honored to be a part of seeing as that was the first time anything like that has ever happened,” Haga said.

This record attendance can be attributed in part to the already well-known musical. “‘Hairspray’ is extremely recognizable,” Antenucci said. “The movie came out just a couple years ago and had some of the biggest names in the film industry attached to it.

Everyone who's anyone knows it, and so, wanted to see it.”

Another part of the draw was the less-thanconventional relationships within the show. “[Working with Gabe & Allie and Mitch & John was] truly professional,” Mr. Gollon said. “What better acting than a brother and sister having to sing love songs to each other and then two guys singing ‘Timeless to Me’ and making the audience believe in their ‘love’ for each other.”

When it came to the part of Edna Turnblad,

who is typically played by a man, Haga was fully prepared to take on the role.

“Since I was a freshman I had put on my audition sheets ‘willing to play a woman’ in the hopes that maybe that would help me get a part, and this year it did,” Haga said. “Playing Edna was without a doubt the hardest part I've played. Mitch was a big help when it came to this part. He was always supportive and brought a lot of energy to rehearsals.

While this part was difficult, in the end Edna was a fun role, though slightly awkward at first, and I am glad that I was picked to play her.”

Along with unusual casting was a crop of new talent, including senior Marlaine MacArthur, who brought energy to the show.

“I was floored night after night by the level of talent of the people around me, but most importantly, by Marlaine,” Antenucci said.

“She brought the house down every time she sang ‘I Know Where I've Been.’”

New cast members also brought along diversity in the show that hasn’t been seen in past productions.

“The most rewarding part is just being around all these people who are all there to put together a show,” Haga said. “The variety of people we had this year was fantastic and made my last musical my favorite one.”

However, with the larger cast came new challenges. “[The hardest part was] coordinating all of the acting, musical and technical aspects,” Mr. Gollon said.

Despite the difficulties, for cast members like Antenucci, it all boils down to the audience.

“The final applause is always the most rewarding thing. Knowing the audience truly appreciates what you have put out there,” Antenucci said. “That's my favorite part.”

With such a popular musical this year, the theater program hopes to build upon the success of “Hairspray.”

“Each show is different in its style, message, and staging,” Mr. Gollon said.

“Our challenge next year is to select a musical that will build on, and not simply copy, the success of ‘Hairspray.’”

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“Being patient was the hardest part just because everyone was so excited, but we needed to make such everything was just right before anyone even thought of putting it all together,” Armold said. Junior Leah Bryzski dances “The Madison” as Amber Von Tussel, the Nicest Kids In Town’s snotty popular girl. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

During “Big Blonde and Beautiful,” Link Larkin, played by senior Gabe Gibbs, attempts to keep the peace as Tracy Turnblad (Allie Gibbs) and company lead a protest against WZZT and the Nicest Kids In Town. Left, senior Nicole Armold, playing Mrs. Von Tussel, tangos to “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” “I think that ‘Hairspray’ was so successful because it was appealing to a wide variety of people, including people who are regularly intrigued by theatre and the people who were interested just because they had seen the movie before,” senior Nicole Armold said. Photos Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

Junior Danae Cota performs her solo in the song, “Run and Tell That.” “I loved having a fifth show,” Armold said. “It was really special being involved in a ‘Rochester-High-School-First!’ Being a senior, it also prolonged the tearful goodbye to RHS musical productions.” Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

Seniors John Haga and Mitch McFee play husband and wife as Mr. and Mrs. Turnblad. “I think that a big strength of the cast and crew was that we were greeted with a lot of natural talent from everyone on day one,” Armold said.

“It was a high energy show with a lot of difficult songs and dancing and to have a cast that was so enthusiastic and willing to make anything work was really encouraging.” Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

Motormouth Maybelle, played by senior Marlaine MacArthur performs her solo, “I Know Where I’ve Been.” “RHS theatre has really helped me grow as an actress and as a person,” Armold said. “I owe a lot of my growth to theatre and it has been one of the most beneficial, challenging, and passionate things I’ve ever been a part of. You will be missed, RATS! Thanks for everything!” Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

The Hatchling December 2010

“We had great advertisement and a well-known show,” Armold said. “Everyone was so excited about it that I think, simply, word of mouth was what made it to popular. That will definitely be helpful in the future.”

Senior Connor Antenucci, playing host Corny Collins, performs “The Nicest Kids In Town.” Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

Junior Amanda Walker and senior Lyzalle Darden sing “You Can’t Stop the Beat” as Seaweed Stubbs and Penny Pinkleton. “I’d never played a part quite like Velma,” Armold said. “It was really fun looking at things in a new, evil way. Velma’s very confident, sassy, and fierce, she knows what she wants and she will do anything to get it. So it was fun to explore something different. Also, I had the privilege of wearing some killer costumes!” Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

Senior Taylor DeVilling and freshman Adriana Peruzzi duck for cover during the game of Scatter Dodgeball. “I think there was such a rise in participation level because the show and the music was well-known and there were parts available to everyone,” Armold said. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Murray

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The Hatchling December 2010

THE SETLIST

“My pre-audition feelings are much like my pre-show feelings,” Locke said. “I get a lot of butterflies, but I do well under Between theater productions, choral pressure and usually come out and rock and band concerts, signing competitions the house.” and band contests, RHS has many The Variety Show featured a range of opportunities for students to show off their acts. Locke, who performed an original talent. However, the Variety Show is able song written for his girlfriend, to combine all plans to keep it simple. of these events “My act isn’t too ‘WOW,’ into one night it’s just me, my voice, and my of unique talent guitar,” Locke said. “But I put that ranges a lot of soul into my music, and across the board that’s what it’s all about. But I in terms of the was really looking forward to performing seeing this year’s acts as well.

Senior Graham Locke performs an arts.

The past couple of years there “ U n l i k e original song for his audition, which haven’t been that many stand-out Rochester Idol, was on Wednesday December 7. Photo performances.”

by Amy Mackens the Variety But after the practicing, Show is open to all types of acts,” worrying and judging, what Variety Show English teacher Mr. Frank Gollon said. is truly about is showcasing the talent of “[A successful show has] a true variety RHS. of acts. Not just singers or bands, but a “We have so many talented students spectrum of talented presenters.” at RHS who, in many cases, never share These presenters performed their acts their abilities with their peers,” Mr. Gollon on December 15 and went through a round said. “The Variety Show provides a venue of auditioning before gaining a spot. for them to show off.”

Patrick McVeigh Kelsey Bammel and Emily Kosnik Adam Malinowski Kelsey Bammel and Katelyn Quinneville Shatara Simmons Vaguely Familiar

ACT II Nick Danowski and Alex Dinsmoor Danielle Clevenger Nicholas Ash Zade Kaakarni Jenni Shamlz Tanner Ellsworth Graham Locke

5 x 5:

Five lovely people answer five questions for your enjoyment.

Cierra Abdlella, freshman

Ludavic ClavetteLachapelle, freshman

Describe “Hairspray” in one word.

Fantastic

Good

Fantastic

Fantastic

Wonderful

How often do you use hairspray?

Never

Once a month

Never

Twice a day

Everyday

Tracy

Link

Corny Collins

WITH STUDENT DIRECTOR junior Hannah Tepoorten

Q: What was your job as student director?

A: The job of student director is to help Mr. Gollon and Mrs. Meisch as well as the cast whenever needed and give your contributions.

Q: What made you want to direct?

A: I want to go into film and I had taken both Theatre 1 and 2. Plus after spending a semester at Stoney and missing the musical here I really wanted to get back into shows.

Q: What was one of the biggest challenges of being student director?

A: Learning everyone’s names.

Q: What were you most proud of in terms of this year’s production?

A: I am most proud of how much everyone improve, especially in the last couple of weeks of rehearsing. Everyone really pushed themselves.

Grace Lee, senior

Favorite “Hairspray” character?

Q&A

Variety Show displays student talent ACT I

Amanda Graham, junior

Penny

Mrs. Clavette, paraprofessional

Penny

What is your favorite dance move?

Sexy swoop

The dougie

The moonwalk

The dougie

The dougie

What would you have come out of the hairspray can?

Keep it how it was

Confetti

Silly String

Myself

Perfect the way it was

Q: For you, what was the best moment of the show?

A: Marlaine singing “I Know Where I’ve Been,” for sure.

Q: How did you feel when a fifth show was decided upon?

A: I thought it was awesome that we were given that opportunity and that the tickets were that much in demand.

Q: What do you think made the musical so much more popular this year?

A: I think one factor is that it’s definitely a more well-known musical. Second, is the amount of talent that we had this year. I also think it’s because we had a lot more people in the show who had never done a musical before, which lead to people attending who usually wouldn’t come see the school’s musical.

Q: What do you hope for next year’s musical?

A: Two words: “Sweeney Todd.”