Source - April 2015

Source Stoney Creek High School 575 East Tienken Road Rochester, MI 48307

The Perfect Nanny The spring musical is back with Mary Poppins pg. 4 - 5

Volume 12, Issue 7

April 30, 2015

Taking Michigan Youth Baseball to a Higher Standard of Excellence

Pediatric Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents Avinash C. Chawla, M.D. Thomas J. Schnur, M.D. Steven Z. Antone, M.D. Kristen A. Herman, M.D. Susan A. Lagrou, M.D. Michael D. Gilbert, M.D. Sonja M. Earles, M.D. Mary M. Swingle, N.P. Chris M. Knoblauch, N.P. Carey A Abele, N.P.

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KAYLA BATES

Senior Kayla Bates rushes through her design competition, the thought of traveling to the golden state for BPA Nationals in May racing through her mind.

“This is actually my first year on BPA,” Bates said, “I never even dreamed of getting this far.”

Now, because of her top-five ranking at BPA States on March 19th, the first-year business club member has a chance to fly to Anaheim, California for Nationals May 6 to 10. Out of fifty other competitors she came in second place for the Fundamental Desktop Publishing category in Michigan, which included a challenge to produce a logo for items such as menus and envelopes.

I was lucky enough to sit down with the future designer to discuss her road to success. Not only did she talk about the intense competition coming up next month, but also what sparked her sudden interest in the club.

Walk-on BPA member wows judges at States Q: What do you plan on pursuing as a career?

A: Next year I’ll be going to CCS, which is the College of Creative Studies, for graphic design.

Q: What sparked your interest in business?

A: I was in Mrs. Ford’s Web Design class, actually, and Mrs. Heath came in and pointed to me, I guess that’s just how I became a member of BPA! Q: Who is your role model or inspiration?

A: Definitely Mrs. Heath. She motivates me to work really hard, so I would say she’s my role model.

Q: How long have you been preparing for the competition?

A: Ever since States. I had to get down to doing it in ninety minutes when it took me weeks to complete the challenge before.

Q: How do you prepare for competitions?

A: My category is a lot different than other categories. I have to actually practice what I’ll be doing at the competition while other people have to practice their presentations. I don’t have to present in my category, so I don’t have to worry about that!

Q: What made you choose your specific category for BPA? A: There were only about three categories that had to do with art, which was a huge factor for me, and the one I chose I didn’t have to present in, so that was a plus!

Q: What are other activities or clubs you are involved in?

A: I like to do anything that involves the computer, like designing websites. As for clubs, at Stoney I’m in the Video Game Design Club, National Art Honors Society and Anime club.

Q: Who is your biggest supporter?

A: My mom, she just gives off a vibe that is very motivating. I can tell she’s really proud of me!

(Interview by Jordan Sickon) (Photo by Jordan Sickon)

SCHOOL

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Mary Poppins Pops!

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1 Junior Michael Canu flies above sophomore Ashlyn Moran as they rehearse a difficult part in “Step in Time”, one of the most challenging numbers in the show. 2 Moran listens to Director Steven Book’s pre-show pep talk. A pre-show tradition, each gathering acts as a way to mentally prepare students for the show ahead. 3 Senior Gen Felipe applies the mustache of George Banks played by Tommy Anglim.

Felipe applies facial hair, prosthetics and makeup for some of the lead cast members. 4 Book watches the stage from the tech booth which is situated in teh back of the auditorium. From here, tech crew members can control sound and lighting. 5 Felipe organizes her workspace. Much of the makeup used is special stage makeup. 6 Pit orchestra director Lauren Staniszewski watches the stage from her podium in the pit whcih houses fifteen musicians, two pianos, two amps, and countless percussion equptment. 7 Sophomore Ryan Garman attends to the soundboard at the back of the auditorium. He helps juggle over fifteen cordless microphones used during the show.

8 Seniors John Barry and Brayden Snyder and junior Tristan Hughes practice raising the actors above the stage for flying scenes. Their job requires excellent timing and extreme focus to avoid problems. 9 Sophomore Lauren Ingle plays along to “Jolly Holiday” with the rest of the pit orchestra. A classic rom the movie, “Jolly Holiday” features the deep, rich sound of the tubas. 10 The view from the pit as Canu and Moran have their mics checked before an evening dress rehearsal. (All photos by Katie Fleming)

Cast, crew work to produce demanding show

by Rachel Tudor

W

ith over 60 actors, 20 musicians, 15 backstage members and 4 directors, assembling Mary Poppins isn’t just a walk in the London park. Hard work behind the curtain and above the crowd makes putting on the production look like a 8 spoonful of sugar, according to acting director Craig Rizzi.

Making Music To bring the Broadway musical to life, the musicians in the pit hold the responsibility for playing the soundtrack to the musical for the singers/actors on stage.

“Playing the pit is one of the most authentically professional performance opportunities that students can experience,” director Lauren Staniszewski said. “We use the same music that professional musicians on Broadway use when they perform- nothing is changed or made easier.

The pit musicians start rehearsing at the end of Feb. and continue working the production together with the actors later in March. Rehearsals lengthen and become more integrated as each week in April progresses.

“It always blows my mind how talented our students are when I conduct,” Staniszewsi said. “For them to have such high quality performances of these professional level shows is not something that happens at a typical high school. It is something truly special.”

Lights, Camera, Action Sophomore Jean-Pierre Ortiz acts as a leading light in this production. As head of light production , his responsibility includes designing the lights for the show, drawing

SCHOOL

out a schematic, and hanging everything once insuring they are all in proper order. After, he writes lighting cues and attempts to make everything as smooth as possible.

“Preparing is mainly mental,” Ortiz said. “Everyone in tech does their best to help eachotehr out. I have to be ready to do a lot and think of all that I may have to handle. I have to anticipate needs early so I’m not struggling later.

According to Ortiz, his team of three occasionally extends the work until after midnight.

“Even though its a huge time commitment, I am glad I got involved and enjoy it a great deal,” Ortiz said.

Sound as a Bell Junior Matt Vernick controls the abundance of speakers surrounding the auditorium, the 24 wireless microphones and all of the soundboards. Before each performance, all the technology requires testing and preparation time.

“Sound conditions are always changing and you always have to be prepared for it,” Vervick said. It is difficult to judge the changing pitches with so many microphones going at one time.”

Let your Hair Down Senior head of hair and makeup Gen Felipe doesn’t know a bad hair day. Beginning right when her team knows the plans for production, she must insure everyone looks and feels good in what they have on, according to Felipe.

“Doing it all on my own would be absolutely crazy,” Philipe said. “The more hands and minds, the better it becomes. Even though we are a separate piece in the making, we all help eachother out as much as possible.”

To put a character together, Felipe and makeup specialist Louise Holoday look at character description and difference hair, makeup,and costume changes. Around tech week in April, the real action and preparation jump starts with handling prosthetics, facial hair, or wigs.

Caught in the Act Sophomore Ashlyn Moran popped in and earned the lead role of Mary Poppins, according to Rizzi.

“I thought that because I was a sophomore I wouldn’t really be considered for the role, but the directors kept calling me up to read for Mary and then it came down to the final song and I was one of the last people left,” Moran said. “I was absolutely ecstatic when I checked and realized they chose me” Look Out May 1-2 at 7p.m. Due to the show’s popularity, a matinee performance was recently added for May 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold online and at the door.

The show is filled with fun music and dancing,” Rizzi said. “It will surely be a lively and exciting performance that audiences of all ages will enjoy! Much of the story is recognizable from the Disney movie, though there are some unexpected twists along the way!”

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CrowningMoment

Junior R’Khal Brown wins Miss Teen Detroit 2015, advances to nationals in Orlando

by Rachel Tudor

O

n April 11, Miss Teen Detroit named junior R’Khal Brown the 2015 winner of their annual pageant competition. Teen contestants participated in a personality interview with judges, a casual wear competition, and a formal wear competition in attempt to win the prestigious title, according to the Miss Teen Detroit website.

Not new to being in front of an audience, Brown went in confident.

“Participating in the pageant was an amazing experience,” Brown said. “I had an amazing time getting more experienced with pageantry.”

Focusing on the idea of “pageantry with a purpose,” or beauty on the inside as well as the outside, the event attempts to bring out the best in each competitor, according to Miss Teen Detroit 2015 sponsor Eric David.

“Where this pageant is different from other similar competitions is that the focus is on the contestants’ responses and personalities that each one displayed for this event,” David said.

To put attention on intelligence, competitors are asked a series of questions during a personal interview prior to the event that played a significant role in the overall scores.

“The primary focus is on the contestant’s personality, interview skills, formal wear and impromptu questions,” sponsor Fifty Six said.

During the formal wear portion, other questions are asked in front of the audience.

“It was basically just impromptu once you made it to the top ten,” Brown said. “The questions I had never heard before so I didn’t know what to expect.”

Over 95 percent of contestants participating in Miss Teen

Detroit have never competed in a pageant before.

“I absolutely love being on stage, whether it’s singing, acting, or just about anything, it feels amazing to me,” Brown said. “Before I heard of this event, I never even considered pageantry. Now that I’ve won and am moving forward, I just cannot believe it!”

This annual contest expands across the country, one in over twenty cities. The top ten score a place in the national competition in Orlando, Florida The top five, including Brown, won paid expenses and a scholarship.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and just seeing what Orlando can bring to the table,” Brown said. “It will be my first time in Florida so I cannot wait to go there, have fun, and compete!”

Looking forward to nationals, David is confident Brown will succeed.

“Miss Brown has an exceptional character and background going for her, the sky is the limit, Brown said. “Her academic records speaks for itself but she’s also willing to reach out and contribute to her community both locally and nationally. Her message is very sincere and positive and this country stands to gain with more young women molded as such. She really has been preparing for this pageant and had a great supporting staff every step of the way.”

Miss Teen’s Trophy: Brown poses with trophy after winning first place. She will advance and compete in Florida next December. Photo

by David.

Miss Teen Facts 95% of participants are brand new to competing in beauty pageants

Five of ten competitors who place win a full trip to Florida for Nationals

GETTING

BIG

Strength and conditioing specialist prepares teams for fall seasons

by Alex Hadd

T

he first kickoff of football season won’t happen until a Friday evening in late August.

The varsity football team has kept this date in mind as they have consistently trained with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Shaun Tahrebandi throughout the offseason.

While the title of “Strength Coach” often summons images of one big meathead yelling at a group of smaller meatheads as they pump up their biceps, coach Tahrebandi, for the most part, does not meet this stereotype. Although he is big and does yell, he possesses an extensive education essential to performing his job.

“A strength and conditioning coach needs to know much more than just how to work out and get big muscles,” coach Tahrebandi said. “They must also have a diverse knowledge in how to create and apply workout programs that are specific for the athlete.”

Coach Tahrebandi holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education, a master’s degree in exercise science, a certificate as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association

CORE LIFTS

Coach Tahrebandi’s program is based around a few key movements. From cheerleading flyers to football linebackers, the squat, push press, and deadlift are most important. Performance guidelines and strength standards can be found at ExRx.net, an online exercise and training database.

SPORTS

(NSCA), and a level one CrossFit certification.

According to the NSCA, “CSCSs are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance.”

Since 2002, coach Tahrebandi has been a physical education teacher at Warren Mott High School, where he is also the head strength and conditioning coach for all athletic teams. When the Stoney Creek football program needed a new conditioning coach in 2011, coach Tahrebandi was recruited.

“I did my research and talked to a few guys, but when I was introduced to Coach T. (Tahrebandi), I knew I had my guy,” Head Varsity Football Coach Brad Zube said. “I believe in hiring experts for our program, and Coach T. is an expert.”

Soon after coach Tahrebandi began training the football team, he also started helping out the cheerleading and soccer teams with their conditioning programs.

In order to cater to a variety of needs for different sports, he must integrate his skills on a case-by-case basis.

“I would have my football players doing short sprints and short periods of rest

while I have my soccer players doing longer conditioning with minimal rest periods,” coach Tahrebandi said.

Although some perceive coach Tahrebandi as brutal at first, the dynamic tends to change as they become more experienced with his methods.

“My relationship with Coach T. has grown a lot over the past couple of years,” junior football player Spencer BarrRedmond said. “When I first met Coach, I thought he was crazy and just out to get me and everyone on the team, but now I see that he only wants to make us better on and off the field.”

Development of each athlete’s mental toughness and character is a theme that relates back to all coach Tahrebandi does

in his training programs.

“It’s seeing them not only grow physically but mentally, seeing them grow confidence, and believe in themselves and become a better person for it,” coach Tahrebandi said.

After the football season kicks off in August, coach Tahrebandi will still be waiting to prepare the next class of athletes coming up.

“Coach [Tahrebandi] is an integral part of our staff and I am very proud to have a coach of such high caliber working with our players all off season,” coach Zube said.

“He is extremely reliable and I hope we have him at SC with us for a long time.”

THE SQUAT

THE PUSH PRESS

THE DEADLIFT

MUSCLES TARGETED: Quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, abdominal muscles and spinal erectors.

Keeping a watchful eye: Coach Shaun Tahrebandi watches as an athlete performs the push press. Coach Tahrebandi incorporates a variety of exercises into athletes’ training programs so they can be prepared for any situation on the field. (photo by Alex Hadd)

MUSCLES TARGETED: Deltoids, triceps, trapezius muscles, upper pectorals, and abdominal muscles.

MUSCLES TARGETED: Gluteals, spinal erectors, quadriceps, hamstrings, and abdominal muscles.

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Pro

Con

Julia Clay

Katie Fleming

Taking AP exams opens doors for students after high school

Taking AP exams causes stress and confusion for students

Taking the AP tests, though they are time-consuming and difficult, is a great investment in your future.

I have never quite understood why someone wouldn’t take the AP test when they have invested so much time in the class itself. You work for nine months doing hours upon hours of homework, diving deeper into the information than you ever thought possible.

I have seen people break down and cry in AP classes, but they always take a deep breath, wipe away the tears, and jump right back in. But if you don’t take the exam at the end of the year, you don’t get all the rewards that AP class has to offer!

Granted, each test costs around $90 to take. That’s a steep cost if you feel like you might not pass the test.

But think about the next step—according to the college board, each class in college will cost you an average of $1,500. If your score on an AP test can help you skip a class in college, then wasn’t that small investment worth it?

Saving more than $1000 will make a big difference when you are paying college tuition.

Skipping classes not only saves you thousands of dollars, it also opens doors in your career path. Without having to take an array of boring gen-eds, you can open up space for more classes, maybe even space for a minor or a second major that you couldn’t have included before.

Another great benefit of taking AP exams is standing out from other students.

“They look really good on college apps,” junior Julia Philp said, explaining why she chose to take AP exams, “but some people don’t think it’s worth it.”

They also make you stand out in high school when you graduate. Depending on the number of AP classes you pass, you will be recognized at the honors convocation and commencement ceremony at the end of senior year.

Many colleges ask to see the scores you got on AP exams, and it would be a bummer to have taken those stressful, difficult classes but have nothing to show for it.

These scores show colleges that you have what it takes to make it in the college world. It shows them that you developed college-level skills throughout the year and learned how to work like a college student would.

With AP exams taking place May 4-15, many students will flock to Oakland University to sit for mentally exhausting but “rewarding” exams. While many think that taking AP exams is an excellent way to save money, these exams have their downfalls.

According to the College Board, AP courses were originally intended as a way for students to challenge themselves in the classroom. Universities granted students with successful test scores college credit as reward for their hard work.

Yet, as courses become more popular, college credit becomes less consistent. As to be expected, students with higher scores receive more credit for their work, a consistent theme with universities throughout the nation.

However inconsistency strikes with the type of credit students receive.

According to their websites, both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University accept AP exam credits. Take AP Language and Composition, for example.

According to College Board this is the most popular AP exam in the nation. At MSU if you receive a 5 on the AP exam, you receive 4 credits and are placed in a higher level English course. At the University of Michigan, however if you earn a 5, you receive 3 credits. Unlike MSU, U of M doesn’t allow entrance into a higher level class. This confusion is a struggle with many universities and frustrates students as they choose which exams to take.

Inconsistency is a common theme throughout the AP exam process. According to collegeexpress.com, many years students will report an “easy” exam. The next year, the difficulty of the exam could be amped up, causing scores of unsuspecting students to suffer. Even so, the amount of students who choose to take the exams increases each year.

Universities now make AP exams, formerly an extra boost on college applications, seem like a requirement for admissions. More students flock to the exams hoping to boost their chances, but are unprepared and end up doing poorly. While poor scores on exams do not hurt chances of acceptance, it does waste money on each exam.

With inconstancies in exam difficulty and credit awards, students should be wary when signing up for AP exams.

Fighting for our fives The pros and cons of Advanced Placement Exams

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dvanced placement exams are a source of a lot of worry and stress in the month of May. They are also, however, an opportunity to open doors for yourself and save money after high school.

Some students have chosen not to take exams even after completing the course. Are the exams really worth the cost and stress?

(Photo from Wikimedia.com open license) (Photo from flickr.com open license)

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OPINION