Issue 2, the Black & Gold, Volume 93 by CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Fall Sports Round-up

the

Turn to pages 12 and 13 for a complete overview of the fall sports season, including girls and boys cross country, equestrian, boys soccer, swim & dive, football, volleyball, girls golf, and boys tennis

Graphic: C. Hansen

Issue 2 A&E Turn to page 3 for this issue’s “Loop” reviews, coverage Photo: M. Caldwell of AP Studio Art’s recent Opera 2012 MIPA Spartan Award Winner House gallery, and reportage of six theater students’ foray Traverse City Central High School 1150 Milliken Drive, Traverse City, Michigan 49686 into the YoungArts program

Volume 93

November 13, 2013

Black Gold

Raptors enlighten community 1. Alex Endresen ‘15 (left) explains to a crowd of interested citizens the robot pictured. “We were presenting our robots, letting kids drive it, teaching them about what we do,” Endresen said. “They were able to go over and play around with the VEX robots because that’s more their level. It was providing a good transition from the elementary/middle school level robotics into high school robotics.” Endresen was just one representative of the Raptors at the Public Library on Nov. 4. 2. Angelo Vozza ‘15 (right) discusses ideas and concepts with a member of the community. This event was only the beginning of the Raptors’ journey. “Our season hasn’t actually started yet,” Vozza said. “We have been doing a lot of off season projects like putting together our graphics and essays. Our actual season doesn’t start until January when we get our mission from the organization that we compete in, and then we have six weeks to build our actual robot.”

State of Michigan and TCAPS are evaluating students/teachers based on standarized tests

Aaron Smits Staff Reporter

Photo: S. Hardin

Second trimester introduces textile design class In accordance with Central’s perogative to bring skill-building classes to Central, Cindy Pascoe offers a textile design class second trimester for fashion enthusiasts

David Reinke & Shaine Kearney EIC/News Editor & Staff Reporter

A textile design class will be offered at the beginning of the second trimester. In accordance with Head Principal Rick Vandermolen’s mission to get real-world applicable classes for students into Central, the course has been added as a general elective, this one emphasizing practical application skills of design. Cindy Pascoe will be the teacher/advisor and has an elaborate curriculum that focuses on practicality, already in mind for students. “They will be working with patterns and doing fabric manipulation like batiquin and tiedying,” Pascoe said. “They will also have a chance to do needle work with crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching.” Like other art classes, Pascoe wishes to allow room for per-

Briefs

Shift in focus towards testing raises many concerns

sonalization and says that “students in the class will be able to choose what projects they want to do.” Though she does assure that there will be a strong sense of direction to guide them. “I’m going to really emphasize repurposing stuff,” Pascoe said. “So going to Goodwill and getting stuff, ripping it apart, and making new things with it.” The class is new, but the idea behind it is not. Pascoe has been discussing the option of adding a textile design class with Assistant Principal Bryan Burns for several years. “I think we had upwards of 70 kids that had shown an interest in it last year that said, if it was offered, they would take the class,” Burns said. Ashley Piatt ‘16 was one of the first students to show interest in the class. According to her, it was because of the variance and originality in Pascoe’s plans. “I think it’s really good,” Piatt said. “She showed me this bag she made. I think she went to

Senate blood drive

Photo: S. Hardin

(Left to right) Cole Boyd, Brianna Worthington, and Clare Sorace, all ‘14, go through the process.

Photo: A. Olson

Ashley Piatt ‘16 (right) models her homemade wolf gloves while fellow AP Studio Art student, Abigail Waggoner ‘15 (left) models Piatt’s in-the-works cloak. “The gloves I made from just simple gloves I got from the dollar store,” Piatt said. “Then I attached fabric fur to it and made the nails and stuff out of clay. I painted the clay with spray paint. The cloak thing was made out of, it’s not quite leather, but it’s a weird fabric, and I kind of changed the pattern up. I’m not quite done with it yet, but I sewed it myself on the sewing machine which took a few hours.”

Goodwill and got like these old man pants, like the slacks, and she made a handbag out of it. I think it’s a pretty cool way to make cool things.” Most raw textile materials are expensive, ranging from two to

Last Oct., Student Senate hosted the first of three blood drives scheduled for the 2013-’14 school year. A lot of organization goes into the charity event. It’s all work that takes a lot of planning and time. “Senators organize the gym space, and help the Michigan Blood employees set up,” Senate Advisor Ben Berger said. “Senators volunteer to work throughout the day.” The set up was only half the logistics, though. It took courage for a lot of students to go through the process of getting blood drawn, including Clare Sorace ‘14, who was helped through the procedure by friends Cole Boyd and Brianna Worthington, both ‘14. “Clare went loopy afterwards. She got up and she kept falling down so they kept telling her to stay down, like sit down in that chair that she was supposed to sit in,” Worthington said. “It was good that we were there.”

five dollars per meter. Adding this class would help eliminate some of that costs for students who may not be able to afford it, even though they are interested in textile design. “Kids like making their own

This focus on testing has raised a lot of controversy, both nationally and in our district about its effectiveness from students, teachers, and administration. Juniors have to struggle through the three long, grueling days. “Standardized testing is a one shot deal, so if you’re having a bad day, or even three days, which I think is awful...the MME: three days worth of testing? To me that’s like torture.” math teacher Pamela Forton said. “My brain couldn’t function over three days. That’s cruel and inhumane.” Teacher and administrator evaluations are tied to these assessments, as much as twenty-five percent. And the new teacher contract proposal,

n Aug. 20, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released their updated accountability scorecards for all public schools in the state. These new scorecards rate each school based on an aggregate of test scores, attendance, graduation rates, and compliance with various state and federal regulations. The ratings, from highest to lowest, are green, lime, yellow, orange, and red. Traverse City Central High School received a red rating, the lowest, and was labeled a focus school by the MDE. “We are a focus school because we have an achievement continued, page 15 gap on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The gap is too Teachers large from the top 30 percent and the bottom 30 percent of voice their test takers,” Head Principal concerns Dr. Rick Vandermolen said. “We’re a red school because One of the Photo: S. Hardin we have some students uses of stanwho didn’t show up to the dardized tests are teacher MME, and they didn’t do the evaluations. Central teachmakeup, and they didn’t take it er Pamela Forton and East Middle School teacher Jeff as seniors.” Leonhardt speak to why These new standards are far these tests may not be the more nuanced and rigorous best indicator of teacher than in previous years. Howeffectiveness ever, according to Vandermolen, they have a meaningful “Out of all the things they purpose. look at in the evaluation, “The idea behind the 25 percent of it is tied to standards is to create some student growth, which accountability,” Vandermolen means they look at the said. “It’s not okay for someMME and state standardone to go through their K-12 ized tests to see if a student educational career without a has made growth. A probway to know if they learned lem with that is a lot of the anything. They will learn time students are only with something, but the question is any given teacher for one what will they learn?” trimester, and it’s difficult In the first week of every to show growth for a whole March, students are given the year in one trimester.” three-day-long MME. Day - Pam Forton one is the ACT, a test that is used by universities to evaluate applicant’s college readiness. “Tying my pay To most students, this test is to being efregarded with utmost seriousfective, which ness, as it is weighted heavily is tied to a by admissions boards and can Graphic: A. Smits test, is demoropen or close many postalizing and secondary doors. On day two, degrading. It implies that the students take the ACT I go into school every day WorkKeys job skills assessholding something back ment, where their knowledge until they give me more of various career-oriented money. That’s not how tasks and procedures is tested. teachers operate. I don’t Here, students have the opportunity to earn the National know a teacher that goes Career Readiness Certificate. in and holds back because Finally, on the third day, the they want more money. It students take an assessment doesn’t make any sense.” developed by the state in - Jeff Leonhardt, President order to address state-specific of the Traverse City Educaconcerns. tion Association

Student vote on Millage fails On Nov. 5, the voter polls opened up for the citizenry, including newly registered high school students. This year’s vote included the controversial millage, separated into several bond proposals. The proposal to renovate Central’s auditorium, atrium, and main office areas was denied by voters by a large margin of nearly 3,000 votes. “I was really disappointed because we obviously need a new, better auditorium,” Brett Spanski ‘14 said. “It’s from the ‘80s basically, and I think that with a new one being

built, it would provide a lot more concerts, plays and stuff to go on, not just for Central but other groups in TC.” In spite of the proposal’s failure, TCAPS has is working on next year’s millage proposal. And students across the district, Spanski included, won’t let the proposal’s failure discourage him. “It felt pretty good to vote and it feels good to think that my vote will count,” Spanski said. “I hope my [future] votes will count towards getting us a new auditorium.”

Photo: S. Hardin

2 Opinion

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Affirmative action argued again

The Worst Generation Graphic: M. Caldwell

When we come to defining crossroads, do we drive or bike?

Ivy Baillie

EIC & Production Editor When I was a freshman, the urge to finally get my driver’s license was insatiable. I was an addict for the open road, for a license with a terrible photo, for a CPL pass. I drove for weeks with my dad, but his general feeling that driving with me was like “looking death straight in the eyes,” most of the time I would end up in tears, that sometimes he forgets to stop at stop signs too. Gradually though, my desire to drive solo waned. As my friends started to become responsible young adults and get cars, I bought a bike and bummed rides. My 16th birthday came and went, as did the road test I failed. I botched the parallel parking, and even after I had tripled the acceptable points, I pulled forward and backward, hitting the cones every single time. When I finally admitted defeat, I began to adopt the mentality that “I never had to parallel park a freaking bike.” It’s been over a year, I’m a senior now, and I still don’t have my license. Years ago, I thought this would have been the most embarrassing blemish on my social life I could imagine. And decades ago, this was the case. Having a car was the right of passage, it ushered you past the varsity jackets and into the blue collar workplace. Having a driver’s license was more symbolic than a passport; it was the entry ticket to freedom. No longer. Teen driving has decreased, some say its the rising cost of gas and cars, others say teens are so connected at the tips of their fingers, there is no need for face to face contact. However, it’s neither of those things. My rite, and our generation’s rite of passage, doesn’t rely on the ability to drive a piece of metal. I could be saying some of this because, yes, I am still bitter that I failed my driving test. But more likely than that, the world we live in is changing, as well as what is considered a rite of passage. Cars are still relevant, still a necessity, but are slowly fading into the nostalgic past of chrome fenders and fuzzy mirror dice.

n the 2006 election, 58 percent of Michigan’s voters supported a proposition to amend the state constitution to prohibit affirmative action: “all sex- and race-based preferences in public education, public employment, and public contracting.” The day after the proposition passed, a number of interest groups formed the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, which sued the governor, the regents and boards of trustees of three state (MI) universities in district court by arguing that the proposition violated the Equal Protection Clause. The case, known as Schuette vs. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Question Before the Court: Does an amendment to a state’s constitution to prohibit race-and sex-based discrimination and preferential treatment in public university admission decisions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment? (Source: the Oyez Project)

Affirmative action has been a political, racial, and economic dispute for over 40 years, and frankly, Schuette vs. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action will not be the end of this battle royale. We at the Black & Gold are not constitutional scholars; however, students do need to discuss affirmaGraphic: A. Korson tive action. This case, now before the Supreme Court, is important because it directly impacts our peers who plan to attend college. Affirmative action means standards are lowered for students from minority backgrounds applying for entry. Minority students with lower GPA’s are granted special consideration for admission, simply to fill a quota. There is only so much scholarship money available for distribution, and only so many slots open for each college program. Given: we acknowledge our bias; our school is a white demographic—we’re from Traverse

David Reinke

the Black & Gold

I’m a very fortunate young man. In less than one year of owning a driver’s license, I’ve owned approximately three rather nice cars. I say “approximately” because I’ve never actually driven any of them—two broken Audis and Subaru wagon later, I’m still driving my Mom’s car. Admittedly, there was a time when the prospect of driving scared me more than it enticed me; Responsibility is a stressful thing. And it really doesn’t bother me to be driven around; chauffeurs are classy, even when they’re your Mom. More important than either of these reasons: death. So yes, there is some merit to Ivy’s argument that driving isn’t a big deal anymore. But guess what? That doesn’t mean it is no longer a rite of passage. Notice how in the very first paragraph, I dropped a not-at-all,-in-any-way subtle hint about my awesome rides. Yeah, teenageers, myself included, are materialistic. If you think it’s dangerous to deny a teenager the new iPhone, try telling him that he can’t have a car: Flippin’ cataclysmic. Driving for the first time has always been a rite of passage. Allow me to fantasize for a moment; it’s 19-Early-Something and 16-year-old Winchesterson feels like he’s on the verge of manhood. Only one thing is keeping him from taking a step into the world of beards, suspenders, coffee, and whiskeyspiked coffee... He’s got to get a Model T. Today it runs along the same lines, only now I can get my Model T in Midnight Blue, or Puke Yellow. Sure, it’s a little more complex than that in this century, but along the same lines nonetheless. Our generation is rife with people who want to get jobs, want to go places, and don’t want to be a burden for Mom, Dad, and friends anymore. A vehicle is essential for all of these reasons. So Ivy got a bike. A round of applause for her, everyone. But I’ll tell you what, I hit bikers that stray from their biker paths for breakfast. In all seriousness, I too failed my test the first time. As soul-crushing as it was, I got back up on that horse and tried a second time, to dazzling results. These days, I’m waiting for a car of my own. Until then, I’m cruisin’ in my Mother’s ride and feeling free, (‘Merica) to boot.

Editors-in-Chief Ivy Baillie David Reinke

News Editor

David Reinke

Production Editor Ivy Baillie

Opinion Editor

Graphic: A. Korson

EIC & News Editor

tion policies is less of an achievement than success gained through sheer hard work and persistence. We know that diversity is a good thing, and we also know our history. Our country is only 40 years out from the Civil Rights Movement, and affirmative action has already been argued before the Supreme Court eight times in the last five decades. Schuette vs. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action will not be the last fight in this long battle. When affirmative action began, it was

“Diversity “College is needed admission to make should just everybe based one feel on how welcome. well someRacial acbody does ceptance in school Photo: M. Caldwell just makes Photo: M. Caldwell and who the country a better they are as a person, place.” not their race.” -Yana Beeker ‘17 -Montana Brumfield ‘16

necessary to integrate secondary education. But its time is up. Is it fair to give someone a spot based on the color of their skin, when someone else has worked harder and earned better grades, only to be turned away? When you deny entry to students with higher scores because they’re white, in favor of minorities with lower scores, it is discrimination. A system that judges people based on the color of their skin is neither fair nor equal. Which, ironically, is the fundamental premise of affirmative action. Giving handouts to minorities in education is not a way to even the playing field, but just another way of saying that they’re inferior. It sends a message that, as a country, we believe that minorities lack the capability to rise above their circumstances, and we assume said circumstances must not be up to par with those of the majority. Any success achieved at the expense of others taints minority students, so all their achievements become suspect. Other pupils could start to wonder if they really earned what they received, or if their achievement was somehow rigged. Affirmative action, a system meant to create equality and diversity, is actually perpetuating racism. We can’t fix 400 hundred years of racism, but can stop coddling students and telling them that the only way they can achieve is if we lower standards. John Bunzel, President of San Jose State University said it best: “Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that there are no airtight, completely coherent, unassailable, and holistic answers on the question of affirmative action.”

“You should get what you work for. Colleges should judge you Photo: M. Caldwell based on the inside, not the outside.” -Hudson Hackbarth ‘15

“You shouldn’t be favoured or discrimminated against based on Photo: M. Caldwell race, if all races are meant to be equal within society.” -Gary Kuepfer ‘14

Anti-discrimination laws go a step too far

California’s new law that allows transgender students access to sex specific facilities interferes with students’ right to privacy to apease the minority

John Minster Staff Reporter

At a girls’ softball game, it’s a tie in the bottom of the ninth. Two players are on base, with two outs. The pitcher stares down the batter, who just happens to be a male--yes, you read that right, a boy on a girls’ team. Let’s back up. California recently passed the “School Success and Opportunity Act,” which allows transgender students--students who identify with the opposite sex--to use bathrooms, locker rooms, as well as participate on sports teams of the gender they most identify with, regardless of their biological makeup, and as long as they have a doctor’s note. So that means boys can use the girls’ bathrooms, locker rooms, as well as play on a girls’ softball team. Same goes for girls who identify as boys. Now, that would be an interesting urinal conversation. The 37 word bill (yeah you heard me, only 37 words) has come under fire, and a determined opposition has collected enough petition signatures to put a referendum on the 2014 ballot. I suppose the good news is that someone finally wrote a simple bill, unlike the 906 page ObamaCare legislation. And with this one, at least we could read it before it passed, Mrs. Pelosi notwithstanding.

A&E Editor

Fiona Muha

Sports Editor Erin Lipp

While it’s important to be accepting towards transgender individuals, this bill goes beyond the boundaries of antidiscrimination and breaches the borders of common sense. Seriously, telling teen boys they can choose what bathroom they wish to use? I guess Reason was on vacation when they came up with this one. The whole point of gender separated bathrooms is to give everyone their right to privacy, and this law completely destroys that idea. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, only 0.3 percent of the country is actually transgender. Point-zero-three. So if California’s numbers hover around the national average, that means three people get to impose themselves on

Photo Editors Meg Caldwell Scott Hardin

Graphics Editor

Focus Page Editor

Alex Korson

Leek Editors

Mady Basch Kory Cole Jeff Comerford Brie Goodno Connor Hansen Margo Hoagg

Allison Taphouse

Emma Caldwell

Scott Hardin Jake Myers

Feature Editor

Business Manager

Lia Williams

City, a place severely lacking in diversity. Despite this inequity, we have opinions regarding the many defects of affirmative action. Also given: racism exists in the U.S. and has for almost 400 years. We understand that many feel affirmative action is a fair compensation for centuries of racial oppression and slavery. We understand that the metaphorical playing field is not yet equal for minorities. We know that affirmative action sends a symbolic message to minorities. Despite all this, the American Dream is predicated on merit. Success achieved because of affirmative ac-

Graphic: A. Korson

Zach Egbert

Staff Reporters

Bri Johnson Shaine Kearney Hunter Kelly George Madison Maddi Miller John Minster Anders Olson Carl Rasmussen Josie Robbins Hayley Rozema Joel Six Aaron Smits Julia Vannatter

the other 1000. That’s democracy? Back to sports: there’s just no getting around biology. Men are naturally stronger than women. High school aged males should not be competing with or against females in contact sports. He just has too many advantages. He just doesn’t want to hurt her. She just really doesn’t want that boy backing her down and elbowing her in the paint. Worse, the precedent this case sets is dangerous. Transgender kids will grow up expecting the rest of the world to conform to them. That Graphic: C. Hansen just ain’t gonna happen. When grandma uses the airport bathroom, she doesn’t expect a teenage boy to join her. While I sympathize with the struggles transgender people have, this is absolutely insane.

Some Corrections

-Francine Harris was not properly identified by her full name on the News page. -We reported the incorrect grade for Kara Hansen. She is graduating in 2016. -We reported the incorrect grade for Channing Bornschein. She is graduating in 2014. -Maddi Miller’s name was spelled incorrectly in the staff box. Send us an email at theblackandgold.opinion@gmail.com or drop off a letter to the editor

A&E

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Raising the bar in National YoungArts Competition Graphic: A. Korson

Our resident music connoisseurs bring you the latest and greatest in this issue’s music Staff Reporter

The Flaming Lips

Staff Reporter

Peace Sword

Though it was originally just a single meant to accompany the new Ender’s Game film, The Flaming Lips’ Peace Sword EP transformed into a 25 minute long exploration of the film’s themes. The Flaming Lips’ style fits perfectly into the haunting, uncertain atmosphere of the movie, which is adapted from Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel of the same name. If you were a fan of the Flaming Lips’ previous releases, you will love Peace Sword. The five song EP opens with the album’s namesake “Peace Sword (Open Your Heart),” which is the only song from the release that made the final cut of the film. With its undeniably catchy and punctuated synth hook, it’s no wonder this is the song the director chose. It is certainly the most poppy on the album; it features very few heartfelt lyrics, and is dominated by compelling yet cyclic instrumentation. The remainder of the Lips’ latest release, their second this year, consists of tracks inspired by the film that did not make the cut. “Think Like A Machine, Not A Boy” seems to reference Ender, the story’s main character. It represents the Flaming Lips’ at their best, with the combination of eerie vocals, cantankerous guitar plucking, and a gloomy mood. The EP, bar “Peace Sword” itself, is very reminiscent of their 2002 release, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, the band’s first critical and mainstream success. Taken as a whole, Peace Sword is a throwback to what made The Flaming Lips loveable in the first place. They set out to create an inspired set of songs, and though it sounds a bit scattered and strange, they brought together an alluring package that will certainly evoke some nostalgic musical goosebumps to long-time fans.

Jake Myers Leek Editor

Darkside

Arcade Fire

Art students showcase summer work Students displayed their artistry at Traverse City’s historic Opera House A&E Editor

Reflektor

In one of the most ambitious music marketing campaigns of 2013, the world was treated to Arcade Fire’s lead single, Reflektor, and shortly thereafter, a slew of impressive surprise concerts. Turns out the exciting month of pre-released material was shockingly indicative of what was to come. And what a cathartic record it is. As a band that excels in musical ingenuity, Arcade Fire delves into experimentations with a deft hand for breaking the rules. Songs like, “Here Comes The Night Time” are proof that Arcade hasn’t lost its Fire. It opens into bellowing horns overlapping a fare-strip’s music pallette. The track steadily bumps away with twangy bass until the chorus comes in with free-style, jaunty-fingered keyboard. Such is the crazed, confident nature of disc one. Disc two slows down the tempo, with successful results. Frontman Win Butler perforates the delicate ambience with suave vocals. Régine Chassagne, singing only back-up on this album, accompanies Butler on several worthy tracks, her unnerved, glassy cries perfectly balancing with his cool, throaty ones. Though all seems quite steady, Reflektor sometimes has trouble deciding whether it wants to be derivative or replicatory. Songs are generally amongst the former—the paradeinspired roots of Haiti translate well in Reflektor’s two most successful pieces, “Here Comes The Night Time” and “Afterlife.” Other tracks don’t fare as well, such as the questionably grungy guitar opening, to an otherwise beautifully sung and arranged, “Joan of Arc.” This inconsistency isn’t enough to fog over Reflektor’s gleaming surface, though. In fact, the record comes to its admittedly grandiloquent finish with sparks and pops, and even this can’t district from the holistic sheen limned by Arcade Fire. They can do no wrong.

fun playing to the camera because you could imagine the audience.” -David Stone ‘14

Fiona Muha

Album covers: Courtesy of Spotify

EIC & News Editor

ationwide, high school art students have their fingers crossed in hopes snagging a coveted positive response from the YoungArts competition. YoungArts is a national competition that searches for students ranging from various musical genres, to photography, to instrumental performances. Entrants submit a video, and the top ten in each category are heavily weighted for scholarships at prestiHelen Cullen, Logan Dell’Acqua, Marin Tack, David Stone, Charlotte Noble, all ‘14, Rachel Creamer ‘15 gious schools and thing that fit each of their record,” Stone said. “I love workshops with voices,” Sleder said. performing, so this was more Noble wasn’t quite sure world-renowned people. Noble submitted six songs performance adrenaline. I was a how to react to the oddly large Choral-Aires member Marin total and one monologue in bit nervous about working with microphones and recording Tack ‘14 entered in classical the classical voice and musical the camera.” equipment at first. voice, musical theater and the theater categories. Getting used to working with “When I got there it was monologue categories. She “I did four foreign a camera was chalnerve-racking because you had became interested in Younlanguage musical lenging for Stone, but a camera in front of your face gArts because her private vocal pieces in German, Sleder said Stone disand you’re singing, but trying teacher, Jayne Sleder, convinced Italian and the othplayed good character not to mess up,” Noble said. her of the opportunity and had ers were English and personality in his “The more I worked with it, the faith in her skills. songs,” Noble takes. Playing along easier it became.” “She told me she believed in said. “Learning the with the camera, givNoble is confident with her me, and that I could go really songs wasn’t that ing it glances or little recording work but is nervously far in this competition. That is hard because I have smirks every once in a waiting to hear from the judges. what made me want to do it,” been doing a lot of while was something “I felt good about my recordTack said. Italian songs since he found nearly effortings. I did the best I could,” Tack appreciates others’ eighth grade. Gerless. Noble said. “But at the same advice, and she hopes the proman is newer to me “In the monologue, time, you never know. I wanted fessional judging will improve so that was trickier, A Bird of Prey by Jim to do it mostly for experience, her singing. but I picked it up Grimsley, which was so no matter what comes back, “I knew if I did make it into quickly.” more serious, I would I am happy with what I did.” top number,” Tack said, “I Tack submitted say important lines Despite how far the students would get that experience and five recorded songs, while looking right make it into YoungArts, Sleder feedback. I knew recording one musical theater at the camera to add believes they all have exceedingand going through the process and one monologue. effect,” Stone said. “I ly high potential to excel in their would be worth it.” “Marin was found that easy, it was arts. Their YoungArts videos Tack, Charlotte Noble, Helen one of the most fun playing to the cam- will help them during college Cullen, David Stone and Logan prepared students,” era because you could auditions and for their personal Dell’Acqua, all ‘14, along with Sleder said. “She imagine the audience.” improvement. Rachel Creamer ‘15, participatonly had to take a few takes, Noble found the record“I am auditioning for coled in the YoungArts competiand would put down a good ing process a bit tougher than leges,” Stone said, “so it really tion. Sleder also coaches Noble take right away.” performing in front of a live helped me because the further and Stone, and helped all her Under Sleder’s coaching, the audience, although Sleder noted you get in YoungArts, the students find their proper students spent several days with Noble was elegant while record- more recognition you get in repertoire, which was difficult Sonic Bloom Recording at the ing. your field. You get to travel, because they have such differGrace Episcopal Church. “Charlotte was very well preperform, and share your experient voices. Stone submitted videos in the pared, very memorized,” Sleder ence with other people who “We looked for a conmusical theater category. said. “She looked beautiful and share the same interest. And trasting style, language and “I felt nervous and eager to sang beautifully.” that is really cool.” dynamic repertoire, some-

“It was

Psychic

Darkside’s debut album gets off to an atmospherically mysterious start. “Golden Arrow” fades in with a buzzy drone, growing with layers of glitchy synthesizers that amass in a swirling wall of sound. Then, the track cuts out, and a few seconds of silence build the anticipation for the sluggish, yet steady beat and bluesy guitar riff that follows. Darkside confidently lays it all on the table in an 11 minute opening song, boasting their intriguing mix of electronica and blues-tinged rock. Cut from the same sheet as Phantogram and The xx, Darkside has the thick atmosphere, dance beats and plucky guitar work you might expect from those groups. However, Darkside’s record is more laid back than its predecessors’. The tracks burn slowly, with the sleepy grooves often oscillating to full force halfway through a song, which often run past the five minute mark. “Paper Trails” is where Darkside reimagines what a blues song can be. Leading in with a choppy guitar line, Nicolas Jaar’s deep, bassy vocal delivery saunters in, summoning the likes of Muddy Waters. Darkside masterfully balances the swaggering feel of the blues with the endless sonic possibilities of electronic music. Wailing guitar accents are juxtaposed against swooshing synth pads, the grooves of the basslines elevated by electronic beats. Psychic is the kind of record that thinks forward by looking back. In melding old and new elements the sound is familiar, yet exciting. The bipolar nature of this album is also translated into the personalities of different tracks. While all dreamy and lush, songs vary from the disco funk of “The Only Shrine I’ve Seen,” to drowsy numbers, such as the opening track—sometimes fluctuating nature mid-song. In an age where it is almost impossible to sound original, Darkside flaunts their unique songcraft all over Psychic, and that is something to celebrate.

David Reinke

Julia Vannatter

Graphic: A. Korson

Aaron Smits

Six students participated in the exclusive contest, looking for a remarkable experience and the potential to receive scholarship money

Artists and their supporters mill about the room, nibbling cookies, sipping punch, as they enjoy the ambience and art. Brianne Munch ‘14 scans the reception, taking in the two-dimensional art hanging on the walls: photographs, sketches and paintings displayed prominently at the Traverse City Opera House. “The art show was Photo: J. Myers a great opportunity to expose my pieces,” Munch said. “I always like expressing myself through my art because it reveals my personality.” Munch and other AP Studio Art students showcased their art at the Opera House, with the possibility of selling their works. Each artist was allowed to exhibit three pieces, but due to short notice, they had to choose from whichever pieces they had at school. “My favorite was a bowl of soup with an observational drawing of cars in F-lot,” Munch said. “The steam from the soup was the cars and it was devastating the forest. I liked my thought process. We need to be more aware of our environment and how we’re treating it.”

(Left) Anders Olson’s ‘14 photo sits above Channing Bornschein’s ‘14 piece. (Below) Kimberly Zeeryp’s ‘14 piece is placed to the right of Olson’s. (Right) Ashley Smith ‘14 enjoyed organizing the show, displaying her artwork, and attending the show’s reception. “It was a really great experience,” she said, “and we had a good turnout.”

Photo: J. Myers

Spencer Schulte ‘15 was absent the day of submissions, but a friend entered his artwork. “I don’t make art for other people, I make it for myself,” Schulte said. “Still, it was rewarding, and I enjoyed the people looking at my art.” Schulte’s submitted piece was a still life drawing of clothes pegs. “I like how I utilized the lines to create texture,” he said. “I used sharpie, extra fine point, and I did cross contour after I did a 3-D shading.” When AP Studio Art teacher Amy Harper was approached with the opportunity to showcase student art, she delegated it to Art Club Presidents Ashley Smith and Clare Sorace, both ‘14. While no student art was

Photo: M. Caldwell

sold, this show provided useful experience for Central’s own art exhibition, ArtPrize. “I wanted to see if they could pull off a show,” Harper said. “When I found out they were going to follow through on it, I was so proud. It bodes really well for ArtPrize because they’ll know the different pieces of the puzzle to produce a successful show.” While this experience enlightened students on the fundamentals of art exhibition, it also introduced Traverse City to young, talented artists like Smith. “I thought it would be cool for the public to see high school art,” Smith said, “but I was nervous that people might not like my art. I learned to accept others’ criticism and believe in myself.”

4 Feature Not your average Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Second trimester is fast approaching. Feeling bombarde choices? Check out just a few of the unique classes and

Broadcast Communications Q: What do you enjoy about this class?

Electives: By

A: “As a reporter, anchor, and floor manager, I’m more aware of what’s going on in the school, and I know how to work a camera better. I like anchoring and editing the videos that I make.” -Alex Pierce ‘16

Q: Why should students join this class?

“The ‘Front & Central’ show is loose, so we have room for personality. We pick short, interesting stories to cover. Students learn audio and video skills that they can take into the workforce in terms of TV editing. They also learn elements of journalism, such as how to approach a news story. It’s an experience you won’t have anywhere else.” -Jim Filkins, English Language Arts and Broadcast Journalism teacher

Sports Psychology ap

hic

:C .H

sen

Jessica Olson ‘16 focuses on squeezing each muscle of her body as part of an Applied Sports Psychology exercise. “We lay down and Mrs. Brunink goes through the steps to relax our muscles,” Olson said.

Q: How does this class benefit you as an athlete?

A: “It increases your performance because you know how your body works, and now how your brain works. Instead of just the physical performance, it improves mental performance.” -Jessica Olson ‘16 “‘Sports Psychology’ is really ‘performing psychology.’ We talk about the cognitive aspects of motivation, and mental patterns that affect the outcome of situations. If you think psychology is interesting and you’re looking for a class that has direct meaning to your individual life, this would be a good fit.” -Kristi Brunink, Psychology teacher

Physical Education

Art

15.4

Key English VPAA Broad Cast Communications II Journalism Theatre Arts I- Intro Theatre Yearbook Technology Computer Aided Drafting & Design Engineering Graphics Video Production Introduction to Robotics Business Accounting I Introduction to Business Marketing: How to Start a Business Marketing: Interior Design Web Publishing Work Experience Career Internship Social Studies Applied Sport Psychology

Crime & Justice Introduction to Ps Introduction to So AP Psychology Student Senate English/ General American Sign La Humanities I Mythology Food Matters Interpersonal Rela Library/Media Ce Personal Finance Student Success Art Ceramics Drawing Photography I Metals and Jewe Sculpture

Q: How do you like studying

A: “Learning a language whe communicate through signs signs every day. Most of but once you practice the

Theatre Arts

“‘Intro to Theatre’ is an introducA: “I’ve been in a couple plays tory class for the Old Town Playhouse, but meant to I wanted to learn more about difgive stuferent types of acting and producdents expotion. I’ve learned are facial expressure to body elements of sions and how to move around the theatre as well as voice. stage.” -Grace Hohman ‘17 Right now we are rehearsing for our show on Nov. 25. The class is not Q: What do you gain from this necessarily about being a class? proficient actor but about A: “You gain a fuller understanding of what theatre is. It’s not just reciting being willing to take a chance and to try somelines. This class definitely makes you thing different.”-Theresa come out of your shell.” Hunt, Theater teacher -Finch Moore ‘17

Graphic: C. Hansen

Q: Why did you decide to take this class?

Q: Besides studying the l learn in this class?

A: “ASL is not just signing ly take time to learn about h own community, and the str unique how they go through

Graphic: C. Hansen

Q: What is your favorite activity in this class? A: My favorite part is imagery, where you imagine yourself completing a task or goal before you attempt it. For wrestling, this helps me get in the mindset of an athlete, and understand the mental aspect of working out.” -Dylan Caputo ‘14

Music

Alex Pierce ‘16 sets up before filming an episode of “Front & Central.” “You become familiar with everybody, crack jokes with them and just have fun,” Pierce said.

A: “It teaches team-working skills, because if you don’t work well together, you don’t get a show out. If you’re interested in newspaper, video or editing, or you just think it’d be cool to be on air, then you should take the class. It’s definitely worth trying.” -Jack Shields ‘15

18.8

Graphic: C. Hansen

1 9.

“My bigges share the la shocked w ferent spea pared to us nicate. Stud deaf is not many succ proud of their language -Courtney Biggar, Sign L tion teacher

5 e elective courses Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Feature

ed by core classes? Baffled by the long list of elective d opportunities students enjoyed during first trimester

y the numbers

English VPAA

4.2 %

8. % %

Delaney Beers ‘16, Andrew Wittersheim ‘14, and Alexander Terrell ‘15 participate in a teambuilding activity. “We had to keep both hands on the tubes at all times and keep the ends of the noodles connected while we crossed over to the middle of the room,” Terrell said.

Mythology Q: What do you gain from this class?

Graphic: I. Baillie & A. Korson

ationships enter Course e

Graphic: C. Hansen

“We learn how to de-escalate situations that could be potentially intense. Students gain maturity level when they can understand people better and are not so quick to judge, and learn how to manage themselves in a professional way. It’s more hands-on than a plain psychology class.” -Cindy Pascoe, Family Consumer Science teacher

anguage I

A: “It gives students skills to better understand, talk, and listen to each other. It can help you in a work situation or if you become a leader in a group. I like this class because it reminds people to be decent to each other and have manners.” -Brooke Ebenhoe ‘14 A: “I have learned ways to deal with people on a more personal level. Looking back on my life, there are times that I could have used these lessons. Some electives don’t have much real life application, but this class does.” -Alexander Terrell ‘15

English/ General

2 5.

Q: Why should students take this class?

Q: How has this class benefitted you?

13.5 %

Social Studies

sychology ociology

elry

Technology Business

Interpersonal Relationships

A: “I’m gaining insights on how Greek gods impacted ancient Greece. I’m picking up on the belief system and how people have developed.” -Jimmy Isac-Huggins ‘15

AP Studio Art Physical Education Personal Fitness Sports Activities Weights & Conditioning Music Concert Band Percussion Ensemble Symphony Band Wind Ensemble Jazz Band Philharmonic Orchestra Symphony Orchestra Bel Cantos Choral-Aires Chorale Concert Choir Varsity Men’s Ensemble Varsity Women’s Ensemble Sound Production

A: “Myths relate things that happened in the past to today. For example, in Greece they found an underground maze they think goes with one of the Greek myths, the myth of the labyrinth. Some believe they are related.” -Yesica Paniagua ‘15

“Mythology is everywhere. It’s influenced our culture, so in learning that background knowledge you realize how many references there are to Greek mythology that you still see today. You also get a better understanding of what you’ll see in a lot of movies, TV shows and literature.” -Emily Moore, Spanish and Mythology teacher

Page Credit: Lia Williams, Margo Hoagg, Maddi Miller, Josie Robbins, Ivy Baillie Teacher Photos: Courtesy of Timeless Image

Sign Language

g an uncommon language?

ere people can’t speak and just is really cool. We try to learn new the signs are hard to memorize, em, it’s easier.” -Lauren Gray ‘14

Graphic: C. Hansen

Engineering Graphics

Q: What is your favorite project for this class?

Graphic: C. Hansen

language, what else do you

g the alphabet. We actualhow deaf people live in their ruggles they undergo. It’s really h life.” -Madison Boyd ‘15

A: “We designed our own amphibious vehicle that could travel on land and water. Mine was rectangular, with two bulletproof-glass windows and a steel door. I got the idea from Pirates of the Caribbean where a pirate takes the canoe, flips it upside down and walks along the bottom of the ocean.” -Cooper Boyden ‘16 Q: What do you enjoy about this class?

A: “It’s an artistic class that teaches you how to do CAD drawings without the computer and read blueprints of objects to be manufactured. It’s a fun class and I like that you get to work at your own pace.” -Branson Sowers ‘15

Graphic: C. Hansen

st gain is being able to anguage. Students are when they realize how difaking a language is comsing your hands to commudents also learn that being a tragic thing. There are cessful deaf people who are e.” Language & Special Educa-

Q: How is Mythology relevant today?

“The main goal of this class is to learn how to create six-sided drawings. It’s the basis of creating modern day products to be produced on a large scale. Students gain better drawing skills, both in the technical and creative sense. This is a great class to get a feel of the engineering and manufacturing process.” -Nick Jeffrey, Engineering Graphics and Personal Finance teacher

6 Magazine

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Water sports

Photo: Courtesy of Liz Zimmerman

Photo: A. Olson

Photo: Courtesy of Liz Zimmerman

Photo: Courtesy of Bruce Jenkins

1. Colton Gerber ‘14, captian of the sailing team, practices on West Bay. 2. Alex Anderson ‘15 and Maggie Miron ‘17 brave the harsh waves at the state championships. 3. Charlie Velis ‘15 kayaks on Little Glen Lake. 4. Dirk Phelps ‘15 gets intense while competing in the state finals. 5. Katy Zimmerman ‘14 focuses on her competition in the state finals. 6. Allison Taphouse ‘14 races on the Grand River of Lansing, Michigan, in the Capital City Sprints Regatta, for Lake Leelanau Rowing Club.

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Magazine

Alternative sports

Photo: A. Olson

Photo: Courtesy Ruth Ann Brown

Photo: A. Olson

Photo: Courtesy Adam Smith

Photo: Courtesy Ruth Ann Brown

1. Brenn Olsen ‘14 practices parkour by doing backflips at the Lighthouse park on the peninsula. 2. Devin Sands ‘14 does a flip on his bike at the skatepark. 3,4&5. Kayla Harley ‘14, Leigha Brown ’16, and Sarah Townsend ‘17 practice various spiral combinations at Centre Ice. 6&7. Lucas Empson ‘14 balances on his skateboard while practicing his tricks at the skatepark. Photo: A. Olson

8 Magazine

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Nov.ember 13, 2013

“Guys and Dolls”

Photo: S. Hardin

Photo: J. Myers

Photo: M. Caldwell

Photo: J. Myers

Photo: M. Caldwell

1. Robbie Shields ‘17 plays the role of Nicely Nicely, one of the lead characters. 2. Fisher Diede ‘14 plays around on the string bass backstage. 3. Helen Cullen assists Kaila Szafranski, both ‘14, with her makeup for the role of Adelaide. 4. Michael Robens ‘16 plays the clarinet with the pit crew during a dress rehersal. 5. Rio Lopez-Wild ‘16 and Samuel Lebel ‘15 manage the stage lighting and sounds. 6. Robbie Shields ‘17 leads the cast in an act for the song “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.” Page Layout: Mady Basch and Maddi Miller

Photo: S. Hardin

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 12, 2013

Staying fit: a step-by-step guide Perhaps the most important aspect to maintaining a great physique is working out. Three students demonstrate three different kinds of workouts to exercise every part of the body

Health

Supplements

To encourage good health, students explain their use of health supplements that for them

Vitamins C & D

Strength Photo: B. Goodno

Photo: B. Goodno

Bending down to begin the “clean and jerk” free weight olympic lift is Matt Pupel ‘15. To start off the lift it is important that he gets his butt down and back straight so that he won’t strain any muscles.

This is the clean stage of the lift. Pupel is in a 90 degree squat, which is the position where the most strength is needed. The weight is felt mostly in his quads and butt, as he begins to push up towards the jerk stage.

Now, he’s on the final lift: the jerk. He pushes upward, whilst spreading his legs into a lunge position to bear the weight. At full arm extension he releases the weight, dropping it to the platform to finish the lift.

Graphic: A. Taphouse

Sarah Berry ‘17

Photo: B. Goodno

“I’m not really a big vegetable eater, and I don’t really eat very healthy, so I need more nutrition like vitamin C and vitamin D, everyday. I take the gummy vitamins. They boost my energy. I’ve taken them ever since I was a little kid when my parents gave me those little kid Flintstones gummies. I still take the same ones.”

Mass Gainer

Plyometrics In midair, Podsaid prepares for impact. After ground contact, he will then recoil his momentum into an upward motion. This backfire of energy will give him the ability to explode up to the next box.

Attempting to stick the landing, Podsaid straightens his legs to complete the plyometric jump. He has to halt his momentum from tumbling forward off of the box, so balance is a key.

Flexibility Photo: B. Goodno

Photo: B. Goodno

Asiala’s weight transfers onto her arms and shoulders, as she becomes more parallel. She begins to feel her full body weight in her hands, but her core is most vital in this plank forming position.

Staff Reporter

Vegan

Asiala now is resting her weight on the ground. She flexes her calfs, and tightens her lower back, inverting it to stretch back towards an upward dog position. She pushes against the floor to gain stablility and pressure.

Vikki Buchanan ‘14, a vegeterian, and Taylor VerVane ‘15, a vegan, discuss the hardships, health benefits, and payoffs of maintaining a green, but meat-free diet in a world full of dollar menu burgers

Vegetarian

As the scent of steak fills Vikki Buchanan’s ‘14 nose, she pokes her fork into a fresh salad, trying to push away the unpleasant smell wafting in the air, which is making her sick to her stomach. “The thought of killing and eating innocent animals just grosses me out as well,” Buchanan said. “My personal belief is that being a vegetarian is healthier for you.” For almost eight years now, Buchanan has been eating a typical vegetarian diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and soy products. Most vegetarians also consume dairy or egg products. All this is wonderful and healthy, but Buchanan allows herself a little indulgence: sugar. “The darker the chocolate, the better,” she said. “If I could live off eating candy for the rest of my life, I so would.” However, most often, she’s eating healthy and that can be challenging, but vegetarianism presents even bigger grocery shopping challenges. “When I eat anything that comes from a package, I have to double or even triple check the label to make sure what I’m eating doesn’t have anything animal related in it,” Buchanan said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to find food when a majority of the population eats meat.” Since so much socialization involves food, vegetarianism can be awkward when dining. “My friends have to adjust when I’m around,” Buchanan said. “But, they say they don’t mind making alterations because it’s what makes me unique.” Although Buchanan is the only vegetarian in her family, her parents have been extremely supportive. “They always make sure that there is vegetarian food in the house.” Beyond health, there are many motives in choosing a vegetarian diet; Buchanan’s is animal preservation. “Even though my role in saving animals from being slaughtered is small,” Buchanan said, “It’s still making an impact on society.”

Biotin & Vitamin C Isabella Mack ‘14

Photo: A. Olson

I want to be healthy, so I take a lot of vitamin C and biotin. those are the only two vitamins I take every day. Biotin helps with hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin C keeps me energetic and I feel like it brightens my mood too. I’ve also noticed my nails are a lot stronger, after taking them for about two months now.

Vitamins E & C Isaac Bull ‘15

Photo: S. Hardin

“I take vitamin C, vitamin E. I buy them at Oryana, so they are an allnatural organic brand. Ever since I started taking them, I have noticed that I am more focused and that I don’t get sick as often. The biggest benefit they have for me would be making me less drowsy, which is good when I’m at school.”

Calcium & Vitamin D Ben Grams ‘16 Graphic: A. Taphouse

For a year now, Taylor VerVane ‘15 has been saying “no thanks” to burgers and, “yes please” to tofu and stir-fry. “I dove right into becoming a vegan and I couldn’t be happier,” VerVane said. “I love being vegan because I believe that this is healthier for me.” A typical vegan diet consists of: fruits, vegetables, grains and soy products. A vegan does not eat anything that is derived from an animal. This includes dairy, eggs and processed foods containing any ingredients or gelatin that is sourced to an animal. “I do not miss eating meat at all, because I think of the animals that I’m saving,” VerVane said. Since honey is produced from bees, is debated whether or not it should be a part of the vegan diet. Some vegans classify insects as “animals.” Like most vegans, VerVane’s favorite foods are fruits and vegetables. “Eating this way makes me feel like a better person,” VerVane said. “I think it is wrong for people to kill animals only to eat them. It’s wrong.” Although VerVane’s parents support her lifestyle, they are not vegan, but she wishes they were. “My parents have really accepted it, and I am so glad they did,” VerVane said. Adjusting to becoming a vegan has been easy. “It was a no brainer,” she said. “And, staying a vegan has been simple, considering it’s been my lifestyle for so long.” “I am never going to eat meat again,” VerVane said. “Being vegan is about protecting the animals, but really, it is about my morals too.”

“I take protein and creatine to help me gain weight and build muscle faster. They provide supplements and vitamins to rebuild muscles after you tear them down. I took mass gainer for a while, but I haven’t bought more because I never saw huge differences in the growth of my strength and speed.”

Photo: B. Goodno

Diets to improve your health Hunter Kelly

Photo: A. Olson

Graphic: A. Taphouse

Displaying the first step in the yoga asana, “the inchworm,” is Hanna Asiala ‘17. She tries to keep her arms and back straight as she walks her hands forward. The stretch is felt the most in her hamstrings.

Graphic: A. Taphouse

Austin Podsaid ‘14 crouches down in order to gain the momentum that he will need once he makes contact with the ground. This is the first step of the “vertical depth jump,” that will test Podsaid’s leg strength.

Photo: M. Caldwell

Graphic: A. Taphouse

Photo: M. Caldwell

Jake Lesoski ‘15

Photo: S. Hardin

“Ever since I was little, I’ve taken vitamins. The ones that I take now are gummy vitamins that taste like candy. Aside from the great taste, they are infused with vitamin D and calcium. I always take them before a big tennis tournament for the additional energy.” Page credit: Allison Taphouse, Hunter Kelly, Kory Cole, David Reinke

10 Religion Christianity

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Judaism

Islam

Jesus Christ was the Son of God, sent to save humanity from its sins by giving his life.

God appointed the Jews to be his chosen people in order to set an example of holiness to the world.

God sent multiple prophets to teach humanity how to live. Muhammed was the final prophet.

“When the Protestant Reformation occurred during the 16th century, it split the monolithic Christian church. At this time the church wasn’t just an organized religion, it had been the predominant institution for many centuries. So when the church split, areas that broke away began to push their own Protestant doctrines and greatly impacted society, education, and family life.” -Joe Forlenza, World History Teacher

“During the diaspora, Jews were kicked out of Israel, their holy land, during the times of Roman occupation. From that point on, wherever Jews went they would always be seen as a minority and outsider. Eventually, in many places, they were forced to live in segregated areas and become the victims of specialized laws or government organized violence.” -Joe Forlenza, World History Teacher

“Many people aren’t aware that within Islam there is a major division, the Shia and Sunni denominations. This exacerbates a lot of the problems in the Middle East. People tend to look at all of the Muslim nations as being all the same, and this isn’t true. You have different religious minorities and majorities, along with different ethnic groups.” -Joe Forlenza, World History Teacher

“I try to wake up every morning thinking about God, and try to put it into everyday conversation. If someone says something bad about Christianity, it really hits home.” -Kenna Chilcott ‘16 Holy book: the Bible Golden Rule: the Ten Commandments, rules passed down from God to Moses, a messenger of God Place of Worship: Church, usually on Sunday or the day of rest Major Holidays: Christmas, celebrates birth of Jesus, and Easter, celebrating His resurrection Did you know? Chritianity has more than 40,000 denominations, but is usually categorized into these three major branches- Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant

“In our household we celebrate the holidays, and my mom will cook certain foods. We then gather around and my mom will explain what it means to be Jewish and the importance. Every time we’d learn something new. We never go to temple as a family, but Judaism still is very important to us.” -Jacob Gerstner ‘14 Holy book: the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Bible Golden Rule: Doesn’t have any formal mandatory beliefs, many feel that actions are more important than beliefs Place of Worship: Synagogues Major Holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur Did you know? Their holy city is in Israel, and spiritual leaders are called Rabbis

“I pray five times a day. Islam makes my heart calm. And it doesn’t matter what religion you are, and who you are. I love my religion and my God, Allah.” -Nada Kunlanart Wichian ‘14

Holy book: the Koran Golden Rule: Five Pillars, which include declaration of faith, praying five times a day, giving money to charity, fasting and a pilgrimage to Mecca Place of Worship: Mosque Major Holidays: Ramadan, a month of fasting Did you know? Because of cultural traditions many women cover themselves. Followers can also only eat foods that are lawfull, which includes no pork or blood. Islam also translates to “submission to the will of God”

Paganism

Celebrates the Earth, living creatures, and nature, many see it as any religion outside the Christian, Jewish and Islamic religions.

Paganism encompases Native American spirtiuality as well. Above is the symbol of the four elements, as Native beliefs were based around love, honor, and respect towards Mother Earth.

“Native beliefs and religion came from many years of their living, their experiences, their rituals, and their way of life. Every decision they made was based on their faith, it was such a huge part of their life. They wanted to nurture the land and take care of what they own.” -Ben Ludka, U.S. History Teacher

“Paganism teaches me to be accepting to everyone, to be kind, and peaceful. It’s always with me.” -Dianthia Barnum ‘14

Holy book: differs, but primarily mythopoeic: teaching through allusion and symbol rather than doctrine Golden Rule: believe that they are equal with the rest of nature, and seek to connect with and honor their deities Place of Worship: rituals often occur in woods or caves, on hilltops, or along the seashore Major Holidays: varies Did you know? Stonehedge is an example of an ancient Pagan worship site

Graphics: I. Baillie

Information: courtesy of the BBC

Teachers journey through faith and friendship Science teachers Kim Fleming and Troy Elenbaas have developed a meaningful relationship over their shared Christian beliefs; push each other to new boundaries in their faith Joel Six

Staff Reporter Central teachers Kim Fleming and Troy Elenbaas would sit together discussing Environmental Science, when their conversation would invariably wander into things more personal. Their relationship started about 10 years ago when Elenbaas began teaching Science next to Fleming’s, and they began collaborating. After a couple years of friendship, they also began discussing their Christian beliefs, which strengthened their bond. “It got to the point,” Fleming said, “where some days we’d stay two to three hours after school.” For several years, Fleming had been involved in a youth ministry that met off-campus. “She was definitely a spiritual mentor to those students,” Elenbaas said. “She had always been quite open about her faith. Very inspirational. She just wanted to talk about her faith with anyone who was interested.” Elenbaas said he had always had a degree of faith. “But I could tell she was super excited about it. I just wasn’t as excited or keyed-up as she was.”

However, Fleming’s excitement interested Elenbaas. “Just like she is with her students about science—excited, fun, she was the same way with me about her faith,” Elenbaas said. “She never pushed, she just questioned me a lot. These were personal, deep, heartfelt questions about my relationship with God and my world views. This got me wondering if there was more.” Elenbaas began to look forward to his daily lunch conversations with Fleming. His growing desire to learn more about his faith prompted Fleming to encourage him to take his faith a step further. “There came a point where she just point-blank challenged me to step my faith up,” Elenbaas said. “She asked me to just jump into the deep end, and not hold anything back, which was scary, at first.” Elenbaas said that after taking his leap of faith into his faith, he believes he became a better person. “Growing spiritually has been changing me as a person an awful lot,” Elenbaas said. “I find myself having more heart for kids and becoming kinder, gentler. I’ve always liked kids, but as my faith deepened, my understanding deepened, especially with the hardships students face.”

Even though Fleming and Elenbaas are now close friends and discuss personal beliefs often, Elenbaas was not always receptive at first. “He wasn’t always open with me,” Fleming said. “I think the friendship developed first, which led to more being open with each other, even about our deepest, most personal faith.” Elenbaas said that as he became more intrigued with the spiritual side of his faith, he found himself wanting the “depth of a personal relationship with the Lord” that Fleming had. Although Elenbaas grew up in a Christian home, his experience was not as deep. “I had always respected and believed in God,” Elenbaas said. “I’d had prayer experiences which helped me have more conviction in my belief, but I realized later that there was something missing—my personal relationship with God. And to me, most of my faith had been head knowledge.” Fleming helped Elenbaas find that deeper, more personal relationship with God. “Instead of being stoic with my faith, saying, ‘I’m a Christian because I go to church and try to live right,’” Elenbaas said, “now, there is a whole other side to my spiritual relationship.”

Photo: M. Caldwell

Science teachers Fleming and Elenbaas reminice on the transformation of their ten year old friendship. “I’m just going to speak for both of us. I think we both embrace the challenge of our jobs, and turn it into an opportunity,” Fleming said.

Both teachers said their faith gives them more heart, more compassion for their students. They care for the students’ emotional well being, alongside their studies. “Because of Kim’s faith, she has a huge heart for kids,” Elenbaas said. “Where they are emotionally, and where they are in life. It’s just a part of her.” Fleming has noticed changes in Elenbaas too.

“It was fun watching him grow and the way his approach to teaching changed, along with watching the way he dealt with kids change, too,” Fleming said. Elenbaas says that their relationship has gone past the point of mentorship.“Our families enjoy a great friendship too. We’ve explored science, God, and our students’ needs on multiple fronts. Our friendship is a blessing.”

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Exploring the unknown

Music

An investigation of Rock, Rap, and Folk’s most underappreciated artists, and why you should take a listen. Unknown artists from the most well known genres George Madison & Carl Rasmussen Staff Reporters

Graphic: A. Korson

Rock

Funkadelic

really like Bastille “I Bastille because they are just so different; their sound is unmatched. It’s just one guy, one sound, and one song at a time. No back up or any distractions.” - Chris Brower ‘15 The British indie rock band Bastille separates themselves from the pack with electronic influences, and unorthodox chord progressions. Dan Smith’s unique voice is exemplified and boosted by the innovative beats that are such an essential component to the overall sound. The end result is unfiltered vocals with a smooth rhythm that makes for easy listening. Bastille is always trying to progress their music and add a unique spin to indie rock. They aren’t afraid to go out there a little, and see how they can incorporate unlikely instruments into their music. In their quest to stretch limits, Bastille is the embodiment of music evolution.

“I really look for unique rappers, I’m sick of weedrappers, I wanted to listen to something different. He brings this futuristic, yet old school sound that I havent found in anyone else.” - Grayson Lowe ‘15

Brother Ali

Drawing inspiration from 1980’s “Golden Age Rap,” Brother Ali combines old school beats and methods with new age values . Islamic, 6’5’’ and albino, Ali is an unlikely candidate for modern day hip hop. Despite his ethnicity and appearance, Ali has had much success weaving underlying political controversy with classical upbeat

Album covers: Courtesy of Spotify

Rising from the Jimi Hendrix era of music, Funkadelic’s imaginative, psychedelic rock experience lives among legends. Resulting from both black power and funk movements of the 1970’s, Funkadelic’s use of overshadowing distortion blended with passive, “doped out” lyrics channel a sound typical of that period of rock; but something is different. Maybe its their precision in an un-precise world. Their buttoned-up accuracy, unbuttoned. Funkadelic provides the perfect illusion of engineering. They produce their sound down to the point, yet by the end, it still retains that

wild sense of disorganization. Although the age of psychedelic rock left with the hippies, there is still one band worth resurrecting it for.

“Funkadelic has a truly unique sound. They are like the melting pot of the pre-modern rock, yet they have always made it their own; put their own little spin on it. I like them because there are not many psychedelic rock bands out there that are just completely insane.” Chloe Minore ‘15

Del The Funky Homosapien

a sarcastic use of aggression, offering a mix between both whimsical and serious hip hop. Del is also known as the “godfather” of experimental rap, a sub-genre widely popular in 21st century rap. Del The Funky Homosapiens mastery is original and inventive beyond measure. If there is one sound to listen to, it is his.

hip hop. More often than not, Ali plays off the irony of his albinism, making it a key characteristic of his mastery as a “white” rapper in a predominantly black community.

true nature about them as well. He is one of the only rappers that doesn’t just start using profanity, one of the only rappers that really makes sense.” - Kyle Barger ‘17

Folk

The Avett Brothers

“I like them because they have a great variety. Some songs are upbeat and fun, while others are slow and calming. The vocals are amazing as well.” - Kendall Minor ‘14

The Avett Brothers’ harmonizing vocals backed with strings and wood produce an earthly sound typical of any good folk group. Scott Avett has a voice that seems familiar, even during your first listen. Each song seems intimate, yet foreign. It’s as though you’ve heard it before, but you never realized it’s value. They’re also able to put a more modern feel to an admittedly old genre. The group is constantly exploring new ways to convey their message, while always maintaining an element

The Stray Birds

The Stray Birds create an authentic American folk sound that is refreshing in the realm of modern music. This group is the real deal. Hailing from Pennsylvania, the trio maintains a distinct sound that has almost been forgotten. Their varying backing arrangements all revolve around the story they have to tell, which is typical of any true folk group. Maya de Vitry’s honest, dominating vocals only exemplify this authenticity as an American folk group. Even when harmonizing, their sound resonates because of her voice. Their music has such a raw, truthful sound that embodies what folk music is all about. Despite only releasing one full album The Stray Birds assert their authenticity as a folk group.folk group.

Esoteric genres

Central’s musically-inclined divulge their passions for neglected styles and discuss their viability

Jazz

“I really started listening to jazz about four years ago, mostly because I just wanted Graphic: C. Rasmussen to further myself as a percussionist. I started out playing rock, and I had always been part of classical music, but in the end, I really just wanted to become a more versatile musician. Jazz can be very intellectually stimulating, I feel like I can get more depth of emotion when I’m playing jazz. It’s like meditating. There’s just something about jazz, and its instrumental origins that force you to find your own meaning and theme.” - Noah Pickett ‘15

Classical

“I’ve been playing the flute since first grade and I’ve been playing piccolo since Graphic: C. Rasmussen sixth grade. Classical music is good because there is such a variety. There’s classical, but it goes deeper than that; there’s Baroque, there’s Romantic Period, and it’s very intricate. It may sound simple or it may sound repetitive, but there’s different tonalizations and there’s different keys. The way that it’s so intricate compared to most music today where it’s automated, and the fact that it’s produced by actual musicians is just wonderful.” - Krista Cole ‘15

Rap Funk

Cousin to the seminal west coast rapper Ice Cube, and founder of the admired group “Hieroglyphics,” Del The Funky Homosapien presents an amazing sound and range of music. Dipping into both pro-anarchist and critically humorous styles of rap, Del is considered one of the most diverse and exploratory rappers of modern music. Preferring a “west-coast era” style of hip hop, Del presents

“Brother Ali has really been a very cool story to me. His sound has always been raw, never filtered. I think that his lyrics always have a

of simplicity. They always have something to say. Their profound lyrics hold true to the genre, and they have the passion to back them. The Avett Brothers’ music demands to be listened to, and one can’t help but get drawn into their sound. “I like the Avett Brothers because their lyrics are not trashy like all popular music. They’re very relaxing to listen to, they’re soothing, they have the voices of angels. Plus all of their songs are incredible.” - Noelle Gortsema ‘16

“I actually started off playing the guitar and I recently started playing the Graphic: C. Rasmussen bass. I picked it up in like two weeks and it just kinda exploded from there. Funk music should be appreciated because it has beat, it gets you movin’, and it’s just really sexy and a really cool genre of music that I feel is really underappreciated. The groove comes along with the bass. You just gotta go and slap on it and make it groovy. Victor Wooten is like the craziest guy. I watched a bunch of videos from him and he’s got the beat.” - Graham BeVier ‘14

Opera

“People should listen to Opera because it always tells a story. Each song is reGraphic: C. Rasmussen ally dramatic in Operas, and it’s fun to sing and fun to listen to. It’s more entertaining for the audience when you are performing it, because you’re more into the song. It has a unique, bold sound. You really can’t compare it to anything else. It was the catalyst for modern musical theatre. Renee Fleming is my favorite opera singer. She’s considered the best soprano in the world right now. She has such a wide vocal range—it’s inspiring.” - Helen Cullen ‘14

12 Round-up

Girls Golf

Photo: Courtesy of K. Trubac

Amelia Pezzeti ‘15 swinging her club getting ready to take the winning shot in Ludington where she took first place medal. Pezzeti is already excited for next year “We will have lots of new players on the team,” Pezzeti said. “We will be a lot better than last year, and hopefully we’ll even win Regionals.”

Hayley Rozema Staff Reporter

With the energy of a new team and the synergy of an old team, this year’s girls golf team has much to be proud of. This includes a second place finish in Regionals and a 10th place finish at States. “We kind of called ourselves the underdogs when we went into Regionals and States,” Captain Zoe Sobeck ‘14 said. “Only the top three teams at Regionals make it to States, so we were shocked that we made it. We had lost some good players last year and we wanted to come back strong and show our new team was going to be just as good.” As the season progressed, the team became more and more confident that they were up to par. Head Coach Lois McManus took notice. “They improved tremendously,” McManus said. “They did a great job all season. Taking second place in Regionals was one of their biggest accomplishments.” Sobeck said that McManus assured the team that they would “all mesh at one point. “We had problems at first finding our ‘click’. We were waiting for that. Thankfully, that was Regionals for us and we all just got it in gear.” With the exception of one tournament, the team placed in the top 50% for almost all of their meets.

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

This team though is not just about golf. “You can look around at other teams and tell they’re not as close,” Sobeck said. “Being so close allowed us to stay positive. We really just wanted to have fun. I did especially, because it’s my senior year.” Kate Trubac ‘15 was at States for the first time this year and was her most memorable tournament of the season. “The first day of States was probably our best,” Trubac said. “It was a really hard course and since few players had gone to States, I think we really pulled together for a great meet.” The golfers hit the course all summer training, hard. With their exceptional tournament scores at Districts, and Regionals their summer sacrifices paid off. “Most girls take lessons through the course of the summer,” McManus said. “They started out the season average and then worked their way up to above average.” Although golf is one of the most important things in these girls’ lives, as with all athletes, finding balance with their sport and school is tricky. “I didn’t have a full week of school until the fourth week of October,” Sobeck said. With next year they are already excited, only losing one person they are hoping to gain new freshman and do even better than this year. “I’m looking forward to new freshman coming out sophomores, or even juniors,” McManus said. “I’m sure there are more people out there who want to play but not aware of the fact that their is a golf team.”

Equestrian Hayley Rozema Staff Reporter

Hard work really did pay off for the equestrian team, as they dominated Districts and Regionals, taking a first place for both. The pinnacle of the season was at States, when they took eighth place out of ten teams. “The season went really well,” Morgen Durga ‘15 said. “Everyone worked really hard and was really disciplined. It wasn’t easy to do, but we pulled it off. I couldn’t be more happy.” If anything, these girls are hard workers and always pushing to do better. “They really tried different things and got out of their comfort zone,” Stacy Aulicino, Assistant Coach said. But the team couldn’t have accomplished firsts at Districts and Regionals without pre season training. They train all year, which really has helped them reach new levels. “Our horses need conditioning, we need conditioning,” Durga said. “You definitely don’t just sit there, you have to have strength to sit on an animal all day.” In competition there is only one person competing at a time, so equestrian may not seem like a team sport. But scoring is a composite of individual riders, so they cannot score high without their team behind them. “Our Head Coach Mike Zerbe tries to make sure we are really looking at ourselves as a team,” Aulicino said. “Though there are many schools in our district who do treat it is as an individual sport.” For the team, it’s more than just performing well, it’s also about the bond they create and being there for one another. The whole team believes this is why they swept Districts and Regionals. “During States, the team was sitting up in the bleachers and we were all screaming,” Durga said. “Whenever one of our teammates competed we made some noise. One of the people working there started yelling at us for hav-

Photo: B. Goodno

ing too much team spirit.” Western Showmanship, Hunt Seat Fitting and Showing, and English Equitation are just three of fourteen events in which equestrian teams compete. There is a certain number of slots they have to fill, depending on the number of riders on the team. Scoring for equestrian goes from first to eighth place, and the higher teams’ place, the more points they get. “We didn’t really pay attention to details and I think that hurt us at States,” Durga said. “Just the little things we didn’t think about, like what we wore, what our horse looked like, and being more precise.” Equestrian is a big part of Durga’s life, and has impacted her in many ways, both inside and outside the stables. “Equestrian has helped me stay motivated, keep my grades up, and stay out of trouble,” Durga said. “It’s a sport that stays with you forever. It is a lifelong passion, and high school is definitely a highlight of equestrian.”

Boys Cross Country Erin Lipp

Sports Editor After an additional two weeks of training and racing past the full-team season, the Trojan Boys Cross Country team’s top seven runners brought home a third place finish from MHSAA Division 1 State Finals. “We had three guys in the top fifteen at States, that is almost unheard of,” Head Coach John Lober said. “Last year the team finished tenth at States. This really motivated them to go for a higher finish this year because they were so close to the top. If we had run a total of nine seconds faster, we would have won. I am sure that is really going to push the team next year because the title was in sight.” This state performance rounded off an already successful season consisting of the BNC Championship and Regional titles. Individually, Kyle Dotterrer ‘14 was the BNC and Regional Champion and finished sixth at States, while Anthony Berry ‘16 and Cam McAuliffe ‘15 finished 11th and 15th. These accomplishments were from pure dedication and hard work. “We started training at the beginning of the summer,” McAuliffe said. “Or actually since freshman year,

Walking at her Head Coach Mike Zebres’ house Katelyn Belcher ‘16 is getting ready to start practice. “I like the team aspect of the sport,” Belcher said. “I’m looking forward to making more of a contribution on the team next year.”

since we don’t really get a break.” Summer training consisted mainly of distance in order to increase their endurance and clock the miles. Once the official season started, they changed up their training strategy to include more intervals, Kenyan runs, steady state, and “getting the kinks out” race readiness. “In the summer we get in the miles,” Lober said. “The more miles, the wider the base. The wider the base, the higher the mountain. So what I’m saying is that the better base a runner has, the stronger season they will have.” Although Lober’s training plan is important to the success of his runners, it is only half of the battle. The other half consists of teamwork and race strategy, which are not always considered as important in cross country. “In practice, coaches really stress sticking together. Training together helps you race together,” McAuliffe said. “In races, they emphasize sticking together to work together and not going out too fast.” Lober watched every day throughout the season as captains, Dotterrer and Nate Reicha ‘14, along with all of the other seniors led, the team to greatness. “All of this year’s seniors were strong leaders,” Lober said. “They were strong runners and worked really hard. Our captains were amazing, but really, all the seniors were leaders by example.”

While the season is over for most of the team, Berry and McAuliffe are continuing their training until Nov. 30 when they go to Kenosha, Wisconsin to represent Central at Foot Locker Regionals. “Every coach wants to win a State Championship, not many do,” Lober said. “We really have a shot next year, and to be able to have that as a goal is a pretty amazing thing.”

Fall Sports

Volleyball Jeff Comerford Staff Reporter

Varsity volleyball picked up a win against St. Francis two weeks ago. Jessie Kushner scored the final point with the help of teammates Devon Dotterrer and Callie Bartkowiak, both ‘14. “Callie passed the ball to Devon,” Kushner said. “and Devon set the ball. I hit it, and then they hit the ball out of bounds. So, technically, the point was ours. It was a really cool feeling, because it was a great ending to a really intense game.” The game against St. Francis was the climax of a long, challenging regular season, and it truly showcased the team’s growth. “The home game against St. Francis was the most important game of the season,” Kiley Kowal ‘14 said. “There was a lot of energy, it was a lot of fun, and the whole team played really well together.” The Saint Francis team played just as strong of a game, which drove the game to an intense end, with a Trojans’ win. “The game’s key play was the very last point of the game, scored against St. Francis,” Kushner said. “It was just very emotional because it was the last time we all played together in the gym at Central.” The team has dealt with great change over the course of the season. “We’ve adapted to a new strategy this season,” Head Coach Mike Kelly said. “They played more as a team, compared to the beginning of the season.” Although the team found their rhythm, they began with some rough spots. “The team needed to improve on staying pumped up and pressing the opposing team,” Kushner said. The Trojans ended the BNC season with a 8-4 record, which earned them a third place overall in the BNC. The girls ended the season with an overall record of 29-14-3. “The team worked really hard,” Kelly said. “They faced Cadillac and West this season. Both are just a little more talented than us. In order to win, we had to try our very best.” Last Sat. the team competed against

Photo: S. Hardin

In a win against Alpena, Devon Dotterrer ‘14 sets the ball. “Our passing and blocking was really good that game and that’s really important,” Dotterrer said. “Everyone played their positions well.” Dotterrer really enjoyed her senior season with this team. “Playing with a team that really connected and who really put everything they had into every game was awesome,” Dotterrer said.

West in the District finals and lost 3-0. “We haven’t won against West in a long time and it was kid of a bummer,” Kushner said. “but I was glad that they played well and I wish them luck in their next game.” Team veterans helped the younger players grow throughout the season, so they might carry the torch into future seasons. “I’m really lucky to be able to play with players who were better than me,” Cara Ferguson ‘16 said. “It improved my play.” Mariah Bensley ‘15 is excited to see what a young team can accomplish next year. “I played with a couple of sophomores who will be juniors for the past couple of years,” Bensley said. “I didn’t get the chance to interact with all of them, though. That will be a new experience.”

Boys Tennis Zach Egbert

Business Manager

Photo: M. Caldwell

Anthony Berry ‘16 puts in his final push in The Regional race at the Grand Traverse Resort. “I was trying to get my place back after I followed the leader the wrong way,” Berry said. “I wanted to secure a sport for our team score.”

Led by captain Skyler Norgaard ‘14 and five supporting seniors, the boys tennis team lived up to their potential on the courts this fall. Norgaard replaced injured Peter Pappas ‘13 last season as captain and the number one singles and he has filled that role again. This is the seventh consecutive year the Trojans have been ranked top five at States. “The seniors this year were very accepting of all the new varsity players,” Caleb Heimburger ‘14 said. “They did a phenomenal job of being leaders and showing the new players what being on varsity is about.” The Trojans set out to defend their Regional title once again and dominate the BNC for the eighth year in a row. “We met our goals and succeeded them on a regular basis,” Head Coach Larry Nykerk said. Winning the BNC outright and finishing first in the Regional championship, they pressed on to a much greater challenge at States, hosted by the Midland Chemics. The two day long tournament capped off the season, with the Trojans finishing seventh in the state. All four singles and four doubles teams played in day one with two doubles, Yani Beeker ’14 and Parker Berden ‘16 advancing

to day two. Two teammates tallied their awarded all state. Caleb Heim wins and Hayden Drury ‘15 s on day one of States. “To get my 100th win this y burger said, “because it’s som works very hard to achieve ov imagine a better feeling.” Hitt off season made the differenc “I practiced seven days a we hours a day to prepare for the Yergens ‘14 said. “A lot of my ethic this year and wanted to i Playing in over 45 matches t eight of their twelve tournam with a winning season. “Some doubles teams had h and that’s a huge credit to our tough competition during the “Many of our tournaments ha and Norgaard and Knoblock finished first in the conferenc Norgaard was also awarded A for one singles. The Trojans w but they are confident in retur this high level of competition “There’s an incoming freshm ning States next year, along w and juniors who will be huge

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

Round-up

Girls Cross Country

Hayley Rozema Staff Reporter

Photo: A. Olson

Football Jeff Comerford Staff Reporter

As he avoided his lumbering enemies, and shook off tacklers, Ethan Campbell ‘15 broke through the defense and dashed to the end zone, which scored Central’s first and only touchdown in a very competitive game against Cadillac. “It felt really good to put some points on the board,” Campbell said. “Even though it didn’t end well, it felt good at the time.” Going up against the undefeated Vikings, the Trojans knew this was going to be a fight to the finish. “The game of the season had to be Cadillac, even though we lost,” Kris Konstanzer ‘14 said. “That’s the game where

Photo: M. Caldwell

Quarterback Sean Williams ‘15, runs the ball as he tries to avoid the opposing defender in their rivalry game against West. “We handled the pressure of the big game atmosphere pretty well,” Williams said. “We just didn’t play a good, complete game. I definitely believe we should’ve won.”

we really tried the hardest and we just put it all on the field.” Ranked at 5-3 going in, this game would have clinched a playoff berth for the Trojans, but they came up just short. “We put our all into the game,” Mitchell Wynkoop ‘14 said, “even though things

really didn’t go our way.” Jake Gorter ‘14 finished his fourth year as kicker for the Trojans. Completing a very successful career at fifth in the state for all time most points converted after touchdowns, Gorter gave Head Coach Tom Passinault a lethal weapon in the fourth quarter. “Jake is in the top 10 in many kicking categories for all-time Michigan records,” Passinault said. “That’s very successful.” The Trojans struggled some this season, but even after tough losses they did not stop giving complete effort. They finished with a winning 5-4 record, a 3-3 record and tying for third place in the BNC. “We didn’t play as well this season from a record standpoint,” Passinault said. “We had a couple of injuries this year and lost some key players. That really affected us.” Among these injuries was the tragic car accident that involved Tyler Morse and Ian Hathaway, both ‘14. The entire team rallied together. “It motivated me because it showed me that a season could just be taken away,” Konstanzer said. “I wanted to play for them and show them support.” Even with the magnitude of Morse and Hathaway’s car accident, the team pushed through mounting injuries as the season progressed. Another vital casualty happened in week five, as starting linebacker and heart of the defense, Josiah LopezWild ‘14 tore his ACL late in the third. Lopez-Wild’s partner in crime at the linebacker slot, Joey Schepperly ‘15 sprained his ankle in week six against Petoskey. “Linebacker’s an important position,” Wynkoop said. “Josiah and Joey were both tough players, so losing them really affected us.” The season began with surprising loss to Marquette. Faced with this loss, the Trojans had a huge wake up call, driving them into a more cohesive unit. “We had to start relying on each other as a team, as opposed to as individuals,” Cubby Jenkins ‘15 said. “We had to get to the point where we could trust each other on the field without having to say anything. By the end of the season we had improved greatly.” Even though the Trojans finished with a unexpected record, the future looks bright for this young team. Quarterback Sean Williams and five three-year varsity players will take the reins of the program next season. Trojans look to return bigger and stronger than ever next year.

r century wins and were mburger ‘14 finished with 107 scratched off his 100th win

year was incredible,” Heimmething that every player ver their career, I couldn’t ting the courts early in the ce for the team. eek, usually around five e season this summer,” Nick y teammates had a great work improve every day.” this year, the Trojans won ments and everyone ended

high 30s in the win column, r guys, ‘cause we play some e season,” Nykerk said. ad top teams in the state still had around 21 wins and ce.” All State honorable mention will lose six seniors next year, rning strong to continue at n. man who has a shot at winwith returning sophomores assets to the team,” Yergens

Photo: B. Johnson

Skyler Norgaard ‘14 rises up to strike the ball against Petoskey in their dual meet mid-season this fall. “I usually visualize what I’m trying to do and focus on the ball to get in the zone,” Norgaard said. “I stay concentrated by telling myself where I am going to hit the ball on my serve and return.”

said. “But the spots are open to who practices in the off season and how hard they fight in tryouts.”

Girls cross country won the BNC, were Regional runners-up and finished sixth at States, only six points behind the third place team, rocketing them to 24th in the nation. “I am most proud of the commitment and effort it took for us to get there,” Ashley Ko ‘15 said. “It shows we are a powerhouse at the national level. We couldn’t have done it without our coaches and the whole team fully dedicated to our goals. Everyone on the team had a role to play in our national ranking.” Ko is proud of the team’s overall quality and the connections they share. “The bond that the team has is really important and is the best part,” Ko said. “Every runner gives each other support, no matter what, and a close team makes us perform better. Each runner pushes the other to excel in races and practices.” While the influence of practice is undoubtedly powerful, the girls possess an innate drive to work harder than other teams. “This year’s team has been the best year of cross country I have ever had,” Head Coach Lisa Taylor said. “They accomplished more off-season training than past teams.” Ko admits that without all of their off season training, they wouldn’t improve, be state-level challengers, or have a national-level ranking. “You have to train all the time or you lose everything you built up to,” Ko said. “It’s helped us improve a lot.” At Taylor’s direction, they compete at some indoor track meets, and also train all summer and most of winter, so they perform best in season. “We meet three times a week by the flag pole and run and that’s our workout for the day,” Ko said. “We meet

Photo: M. Caldwell

Emmalyne Tarsa ‘17 finishes her Regional race in fourth place. “At the start of the race it was nerve racking to be at such a big meet,” Tarsa said. “You have to know that you’re okay and it’s all mental from there.”

after school ends and train until the season starts.” While the team is always focused and supportive in competition, they also know how to have fun, despite whatever hardships come their way. “Every day is fun, productive, and inspiring,” Taylor said. “The mud run was canceled because of storms, so we stayed until after everyone else left, ran the course anyway, and went through mud sections repeatedly.” Next year they hope to accomplish as much, if not more, than they did this year, but recognize it will be a big adjustment without the seniors. “It’s really sad when we lose seniors,” Ko said. “I’ve run with them for so long, it’s going to be hard when the season ends. But they’ll do awesome in college and I’m sure they’ll visit a lot.” For Ko, cross country has taught her more than just running. Being a better friend, leader, and communicator were just a few of the many lessons that she will carry for the rest of her life. “Cross country has taught me how to be a leader, show through example, and interact with more people,” Ko said. “It’s had a really big impact on my life.”

Boys Soccer

Photo: B. Goodno

In a three point win over Alpena, Grant Dulude ‘16 battles with the opponent. “I crossed the ball to my brother and he scored which was cool,” Dulude said. “The team communicated well and had a strong defense.”

Sports Editor Owen Stratton ‘15, goes into a game with a team oriented mindset. The varsity soccer player has learned through experience that the way to succeed in soccer is to strategize about how the team can work together. “Soccer is a team sport,” Stratton said, “so we work on everything as a team. Because when you step onto the field it’s not 1 vs. 11, it’s 11 vs. 11.” This concept came through during Central’s 3-0 win over West. “It was by far our best game all year,” Head Coach Rob Boynton said. “Everything that we had

worked on, talked about, and tried to do throughout the season in practices and games manifested and we played great. It was all about the success of the team, nobody was focused on themselves.” Both Boynton and Stratton saw captains Noah Mitchell-Ward, Carl Gardner and Jacob Muessig, all ‘14, as well as other seniors and juniors, as great leaders by example. “When they all come to practice and are ready to work it’s really encouraging to everyone else,” Boynton said. “They all lead by example with all of the hard work they put into it. It really shows the team that anything less than your best is not enough.” The success of the team on the

Swim and Dive Zach Egbert

Business Manager Cheering each other on every stroke of the way, the Tritons swam on to another successful season this year. Competing in an undefined conference, the Central, West and Saint Francis swimmers push their cross town rival hearts to the side and swim as one team. “We all have different perspectives and you get to meet and make friends with the girls you wouldn’t have otherwise,” Olivia Luciani ‘14 said. Led by captains Hailey Hushak, Amy Brinkerhoff (West) and Jami Chung all ‘14, the 28 member all-girl team defeated every Big North Conference team in the regular season. “I always looked up to the captains and seniors from previous years, and watched them and tried to follow in their footsteps,” Hushak said. First year Head Coach, Kelly Smith changed the team drastically in her initial season. “Our coach this year has whipped our butts hard core,” Rosemary Cook ‘15 said. Swimming in ten invitationals, the girls gradually improved as the season went on. All Varsity swimmers compete in four of the twelve events and exhibition swim two to three. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, Smith said. “I coached downstate before coming here and the competition is definitely a lot farther away.” The girls put in countless hours in and out of the pool this year to take the program to the next level. Summertime conditioning was every day, from 3:00-4:00 p.m., and then practice from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Once school started, The team had dry land after school and then practice on top of that. “It’s more focused on your own swim time, but it’s a team thing because we cheer each other on and push each other every single day,” Cook said. One relay team comprised of Maddy Zimmerman ‘17, Natalie Wagner ‘17, Olivia Verellen ‘14, (West) and

field also comes with camaraderie off the field. “This year and the past couple years it has been a really tight-knit group of guys,” Boynton said. “They get along and hang out on and off the field. It helps when they’re playing.” The team finished second in the BNC with a 10-2 BNC record. The overall season record was 13-10-2. The season started with a tournament in which the Trojans finished with a 1-1-1 record. Considering they tied the number one ranked team in the state, this was a good start to the season. “Playing well in the first tournament helped us with our confidence, but we still had our ups and downs throughout the season,” Stratton said. “We didn’t always play our best.” Stratton thinks that the team improved throughout the season with their understanding of each other on the field as well as their skills. Although this year’s seniors will be greatly missed, he is looking forward to playing with the upcoming varsity players next year. He thinks they understand the game really well and will bring a lot to the team. “Every player is different and has different talents,” Stratton said. “It’s a sport where you have to play with your head. You have to be thinking all the time and being aware of everything that’s going on around you. Goals can be scored in almost any way you can possibly think of, and all of that is why it’s called ‘the beautiful game.’”

Becky Stanwick ‘14, (West) qualified for MISCA this year. MISCA is an invite during the regular season with Divisions 1-3 competing and after that, the team could qualify for the state tournament, but that is extremely difficult. The final meet was held on Oct. 26 down in Zeeland, against some stiff competition. “To be a senior and watch it all go down, knowing it’s our last meet, is crazy. I value those times together,” Hushak said. The team tapers off their usual 2000 yards of swimming a week to prepare for their final swim. In addition, there is the traditional leg shaving the night before they compete. Feeling fast in the pool, most swimmers racked up personal records or season bests at their last meet. “I went into this year wanting to get the girls excited about the invitational at the end of the year,” Smith said. “Its like any big game or rivalry game in other sports.” The Tritons finished off their dual meets at 4-4, they came in second at the Ogemaw Invitational against eight teams and second in the Up North Invitational at the Civic Center. “I’m looking forward to senior year, to see how much everyone improves and how our new coach will train us again,” Cook said.

Photo: Courtesy of E. Simon

Natalie Wagner ‘17 swims the most challenging of all strokes, the butterfly. “The thing I focus on the most is that I worked hard in practice and even if it hurts, you gotta fight through the pain, even when you can’t breathe, you gotta push yourself to the wall to finish,” Wagner said.

All Graphics: C. Hansen

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Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013

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Standardized testing Continued from front page

not yet approved, would also tie their pay to performance on these tests. “In the next couple years it starts ratcheting up,” President of the Traverse City Education Association Jeff Leonhardt said. “This year it’s twenty-five percent, forty next year, and ultimately fifty percent of teacher evaluations will be based on tests. There’s concern about that because there’s a lot more to a student’s ability to perform well on a test than a teacher can provide. There are a lot of other factors.” This policy regarding the ascending percentages is a state mandate. Chief of Schools Sander Scott shares much of the same concern. “I agree that fifty percent is too much for an evaluation, but having some measure of student growth is

definitely still important,” Scott said. “The key is how you measure that, and the measure should not be just standardized testing.” What’s more, Michigan House Education Committee Chair Lisa Posthumus Lyons has recently suggested a total overhaul of this system just two months after its implementation. However, this proposal is still pending. “I’m going to look at this optimistically,” Vandermolen said. “What it says to me is that people are putting everything through a continuous improvement loop. The issue I think that we struggle with is that change is hard. It’s really difficult when you’re trying to understand something and when you finally get it, it’s changed. It’s hard to hit a moving target.” With all of these new issues, what is Vandermolen’s primary concern? “The most important way that we assess students is what teachers do in the classroom,” Vandermolen said. “Aside from relationships with students, the best way we can move the needle on our red rating is for teachers to implement new reading strategies to help kids tackle heavy informational text. We need to help students tackle information.”

Fashion elective for second tri Continued from front page

clothing,” Burns said. “They like designing picture frames, furniture, and things like that from textiles, fabrics, and cloth. We started talking with kids and seeing what they were interested in.” Students will also have to make something for a gift or donation. Pascoe plans to have a charity component as well; projects that would range from making stuffed animals for children that end up in the womens resource center to heart pillows for heart patients at the hospital. Slots have filled up fast, and because of limited resources, the number of available slots for students had to be capped at

twenty-five. “We are running it as a pilot or a test program,” Burns said. “Mrs. Pascoe will kind of gauge how the kids are reacting to it.” This will be the first fashion design based class here at central. The idea is to start incorporating more real world classes into the school. “I think it fits into our school system because its offering a creative outlet for kids,” Burns said, “I think what we are trying to do is look beyond school to see what kind of career opportunities are going to be out there for kids, and trying to bring them in here and expose them to these types of things.”

16 The Leek

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold November 13, 2013 real stories, real people

The true victims of OLWEUS

TCAPS cracks down on bullying with the OLWEUS progam, makes students experience harsh retribution for any non-compliance

Scott Hardin

Disclaimer: Like the delicious

vegetable, The Leek is heavy satire. Don’t take us too seriously.

News in Brief Jake Myers Leek Editor

Colorado’s good idea

Leek & Photo Editor

n efforts to stem the recent bullying epidemic, TCAPS administrators have adopted the OLWEUS anti-bullying program, which features class discussions in every Thursday advisory, and encourages all students to participate through a system of forced participation. The OLWEUS program, having proven its merit through the empirical data it collects from mandated student surveys, is seemingly infallible, but is a complex process. Step one is a proven method of behavioral enhancement: signing a pledge. “What kind of jerk breaks a pledge?” Assistant Principal Jay Larner said in a recent press release for the OLWEUS program launch. “If we force all students to sign a pledge saying they won’t bully, they don’t even have a choice.” Hearing the siren call of journalistic intrigue, Leek reporters dug deeper into this developing story. Venturing once more into danger, Leek Editor-in-Chief and Senior Discipline Correspondent Jake Myers refused to sign his pledge in order to find out what exactly happens to the bullies who refuse to bend to OLWEUS’ manifesto. The Leek brings you this investigative report. Day One Myers is pulled out of his fifth hour AP Literature and Composition class by Larner, head of Central’s OLWEUS program. “He asked me why I hadn’t signed the pledge,” Myers said, “and I told him that I was uncomfortable signing a contract. That’s when he started telling me that all the cool kids were signing it and anyone who hadn’t signed the pledge wasn’t allowed to attend [Assistant Principal Bryan] Burns’ Halloween party.” Myers was given two days to “think about his mistake.” Larner reportedly told Myers, “or don’t show your face around here again, unless you wanna take it outside.” Day Three Myers is called down to Vandermolen’s office during advisory. “Take a seat,” Vandermolen reportedly said. “Take a seat. You want a refreshment?” Myers felt comfortable. “It’s actually really cozy in there,” Myers said. “He has a nice Afghan rug, and I swear there was an original Picaso. It really warmed the place up. But then things changed.” Vandermolen brought Myers a glass of Kool-Aid that he refused, but Vandermolen persisted. “Drink the Kool-Aid,” Vandermolen said sternly. “Drink the Kool-Aid!” An anti-bullying pledge was placed before Myers and Vandermolen forced a pencil into his hand. “Sign the pledge,” Vandermolen said. “Just

Graphic: J. Myers

Photo: S. Hardin

Above: Fresh after a swirly, Jake Myers ‘14 experiences the wrath of OLWEUS at the hands of administration. “Every time I went under, I didn’t know if I would come back up,” Myers said. “Sometimes I wish I hadn’t.” The Leek believes this may be the cause of the boys’ bathrooms being locked. Left: The rest of Myers’ disheartening cry for help to the Student Hotline.

Graphic: S. Hardin

do it. Trust us.” Unable to leave the locked office, Myers was shoved back into his chair upon each attempt to stand up. “Sign the pledge, four eyes!” Vandermolen demanded, ignoring Myers’ claims that he does not even wear glasses. “If you were a man, you’d sign it. Are you a man? Make my day.” Myers was released in time for second hour, but not without a stern warning from Vandermolen that he would not tolerate bullying in any form, citing that “inaction is action.” Day Five Two days after the situation in Vandermolen’s office, Myers began to believe he was a target of staff bullying. “Teachers kept giving me weird looks in the hallway,” Myers said. “Mr. Phailor even put my name in a story problem where we take a derivative for the ‘speed at which Jake Myers sucks.’ He said it was just a coincidence, but I don’t know.” Feeling persecuted, Myers sought solace in texting the anonymous student hotline, during Vorlenza’s class, a dangerous maneuver. “Help! I think that the faculty is starting to bully me for not signing my pledge,” Myers wrote. “I just don’t feel comfortable doing it. I don’t know how to make it stop.”

The ever vigilant hotline responded to Myers’ plight with haste. “You didn’t sign your pledge?” the hotline responded. “What are you, daft?” Day Seven After a week of what administrator’s have referred to as “disruptively free will,” Myers attempted to take a bathroom break. “When I walked in there, all of the principals were just standing there,” Myers said. “They were wearing masks, but I could tell who they were because they had their lanyards on and their walkie-talkies were going off.” Myers was repeatedly taunted for “looking like a wet rat, like seriously, what the heck,” by administrators, who proceeded to ask him if his “clothes came in a men’s size.” “They shoved me down, gave me a wedgie, and then stuck my head in the toilet,” Myers said. Myers was repeatedly called a “big bully” while having his head forced into the lukewarm toilet water. “That was the worst swirly I’ve had all year!” Myers said. Towards the end of the encounter, officials, gave Myers one final chance to sign the pledge, citing some obscure code: 2877, subsection B-52, which reserves adminstration the right to “make students wish they had never been born.” At press time, Myers has switched school districts and began going by his pseudonym, Eric Steele, to avoid future bullying.

With rising concerns over offending students, the University of Colorado banned any costumes that “perpetuate racial, cultural and gender stereotypes” for any Halloween festivities on campus. Now, with future holidays looming, Dean of Students Christian Gonzales has decided to lay out a few guidelines to safely celebrate the holidays in an inoffensive way. “A lot of people don’t know this, but Thanksgiving is one of the most offensive holidays out there,” Gonzales said. “It plays on inaccurate age-old stereotypes that are particularly offensive to our Pilgrim students.” Gonzales has asked that students refrain from using turkey decorations, and shy away from using it as a main course for their hallowed feast. “That’s an offensive cultural assumption,” Gonzales said. “The Pilgrims haven’t used turkey meat in years. Besides, we all know pork is the superior meat.” Gonzales has put together a student commission for students to voice any concerns for other offensive holidays. “Christmas is such a downer,” art history major Burt Cherry said. “If you didn’t know, not all short people are elves. And c’mon, fruit cake isn’t even that good! Gosh, people are ignorant.” The student commission has already made a few restrictions on Christmas festivities. “Santa is totally out the proverbial chimney,” philosophy major Kelly Peru said. “Little kids just expect old men with beards want them to jump on their laps. My dad has been crippled by SLASD people have caused him. Santa Look-Alike Stress Disorder. Spread awareness for a cure!” Gonzales has stated the Colorado’s mission plan for the future is “A Place Where Feelings Are Never Hurt.” “Our students are at an age where they are very vulnerable to having their feelings hurt,” Gonzales said. “But if you’d excuse me, I have an urgent meeting to discipline one of our professors who is hurting our students’ feelings by handing out poor grades. Even teachers need to learn where to draw a line sometimes.”

The millage meltdown

Headlines from around the world Obama: My fingers were crossed so you can’t be mad Millions of comfort foods unemployed after trans fat ban Bill Clinton offers words of wisdom for scandal-plagued Justin Bieber: “Deny, deny, deny till you die”

Global Perspectives Three Boy Scout leaders posted a video on Facebook last month in which they toppled a stone formation that was nearly 200 million years old in Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park. They claimed it posed an imminent threat to hikers. What do you think?

“I hear the rocks at Stonehedge are an imminent threat as well.”

Sage Wisdom

Graphic: J. Myers and S. Hardin

“I told them this would happen if they let the gays into the Boy Scouts!”

SCORPIO Adolph Griffin, Systems Analyst

Peggy Spanish, Babysitter “One small push for man, one giant push for mankind.”

Neil Armstrong, Aviator

“Once again, man proves he is nature’s master.”

Wanda Phoenix, Bingo Strategist

Photos: Courtesy of Reuters

We take this moment to step away from the lightspeed pace of the news cycle. We take a deep breath and close our eyes. We gaze into our crystal ball and feel the mystical force of the universe surround us and fill us to the brim with divine advice. Now SCORPIO! Our divinations foretell a financial gain in your future. Invest smartly to please the gods. Pour your life savings into an e-check and send it to theleek@gmail.com on Nov. 28, thanking the ethereal seers. Your strong will and measured generosity will gain you the ultimate karmic repayment. Somewhere in Kathmandu, Scott & Jake

Graphic: J. Myers

After voters shot down both of the TCAPS millage requests last Tuesday, the TCAPS Finance and Operations Committee held a meeting Wednesday in which they discussed future finance management without millage money, and held a forum for the public to express what was wrong with the millage proposals. “I just didn’t see the point,” Traverse City resident Lionel Willis told the board. “What in tarnation is a netbook? What’s wrong with a blackboard and chalk? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—that’s what I always say.” Willis was worried that the accommodations the millage would have provided, such as transportation, were “making kids soft.” “I never rode no darn bus and look how I turned out,” Willis said. “I’m assistant manager at the tackle shop down yonder. Worked my way up from the bottom. I used to have to walk through the snow barefoot to school because I couldn’t afford shoes. I used barbed wire for traction. It makes you strong—strong in body, strong in mind—that’s what I always say.” Willis refuted the apparent need to repair infrastructure needs, even though Eastern Elementary’s roof has sprung multiple leaks, and reportedly, not the good kind. “That’s what they made buckets for!” Willis said. “Run down to your neighborhood Home Depot and you got that fixed for like five dollars right there—that’s what I always say.” Willis was very critical of the separate millage proposal for the new Central auditorium. “You know, back in my day, we only needed the three R’s: readin’, ‘ritin’ ‘n ‘rithmetic,” Willis said. “Performin’ arts, performin’ schmarts. If the kids wanna sing, they can join their church choirs. Who needs plays when you have real life? I think they should bring back square dancin’. Now, there’s some character buildin’ music with some backbone—that’s what I always say.”