THE
COMPASS
c o n t e n t s
ON COVER: Steven N. ‘11 positions himself and adjusts his camera for his next photo on the class trip to Chicago with the art class.
Coraline A Player’s View Facing Fierce Competition Capturing the Real You Ratone
A Publication of West Senior High 5376 North Long Lake Road Traverse City, MI 49685-8217 (231) 933-7500
Pages 5-6 Pages 17-18 Pages 25-26 Pages 57-58 Pages 63-64
Meet S t a f f the
Ariana Burk Editor-in-Chief
With only one year of experience, I was trusted with this grand task of creating a magazine. This journey of learning and creating The Compass, has lead me to dedicate my future to journalism in college. I will be attending Grand Valley State.
Cindy Kennedy
Steven Starlin Graphic Designer & Editor
I’m an advanced graphics designer using Photoshop and a zealous writer. In my free time I write poetry, short stories, and narratives. I also want to be a Computer Forensics Specialist. Next year, I will be EIC for The Compass.
Cheyanne Marshall
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Kyle McKee
Taryn Melton
I took Journalism to help me get my elective credits and it’s fun. Writing about the things that happen at our school is my favorite part about being able to have ability to write whatever I want. Freedom is the best part.
Staff Writer
I took Journalism to help me get my elective credits in and it’s fun. One of my favorite things about this class is that you get to write about the things that happen at school.
James-Dean Peck Staff Writer
I took this class so that I can have some experince making layouts and blogs. I am a lock for the TC Alliance Rugby Club. I’m in a sport for every season, and don’t plan to stop. The other sports I do are football and wrestling.
I joined the compass magazine because I want to become a journalist when I get out of school and it will give me an idea of what I am going to be doing in the future.
Staff Writer
I am a freshman and I wanted to try somthin new so I took journalism. In my free time I like to hangout with friends and meet new people. I am also a cheerleader and plan to cheer for for the Titans for the rest of my highschool career.
Chelsea Schichtel Staff Writer
As a freshmen I found the opportunity to explore my horizons. I wanted this class because I am very talkative, and I love taking pictures, so this class is perfect. Now, being in this class, I’m right where I want to be.
Tyler Thirlby
Taylor Soper Staff Writer
I am a sophomore at West Senior High. I love taking photos and writing about topics that interest me. Running is my favorite hobby. Living in Traverse City, I get to spend every day at the beach in the summer and snowboard in the winter.
Staff Writer
I joined this class so that I have more writing experience. I can take everything I have learned and apply it into my other classes. I also play for the Titans’ Varsity hockey team, and I also race boats and cars every weekend.
Mr. David Noller Advisor
As advisor for The Compass, I would like to thank all the people who have helped make this year a success. This magazine would not exist without the efforts of all the students who worked so hard to create this new publication at TC West. I would especially like to thank Ariana Burk and Steven Starlin, who led our students to create something great, and who put many additional hours into the final editing and construction of the magazine outside of the school day. Additionally, The Compass owes a great many thanks to the staff of The Odyssey yearbook and its advisor, Kate Hansen. They offered help, advice, supplemental photographs, and suggestions for improvement. We are committed to continuing the tradition of journalism at West.
Letter from the Editor
I would like to extend a thank you to all who have read our magazine and those who are reading this creation for the first time. The Compass was a class that was offered at our school for two trimesters this year, the first tri and the last tri. There were difficulties in preparing this magazine, such as not being able to run all year and training a new staff each edition. However, as one can see, the intense work ethic of our staff has lead us to be able to develop our magazine. Journalism is the one idea and creation that allows anyone, no matter age, gender, religion or lifestyle to be able to express the needs and emotions of one single unit, such as a citizen or one whole group. These emotions, thoughts and experiences are ones that would not normally be noticed or recognized. As stated in the first amendment in the constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Journalism is the freedom all possess to express every thought. In The Compass, every story and experience is spoken through the author as an unique and rare journey. With the staff of this edition and the ones before, we join in the effort to provide entertainment about our school and community, to our readers, with great thanks.
Cody Davis ‘12, poses for a picture back stage before his performance in Coraline. “I have been in thespians for two years now,” Cody said. In Coraline, Cody played one of the four rats, and he even had the main dancing part out of the rat parts. “I joined thespians because I had friends who really enjoy drama, and said that it was hard to be an actor,” Cody said. After his friends told him about acting, he went to plays to see what it was all about. “I was blown away and decided right there I wanted to learn to act like them,” Cody said. His favorite part about thespians is that it gives everyone a chance to try out acting, and be part of the amazing family atmosphere. “The people I’m in plays with are my closest friends and basically my family,” Cody said. “They also really push me to be the best actor and person I can be.”
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Being a part of school activities is becoming a huge part of student’s lives for college applications and personal history. Kayla Szatkiewicz ‘12, was involved with Thespian and Drama Club. “My mom kept bugging me about being involved with the school,” Kayla said. “I love acting so I thought I’d join thespians.” Thespians wasn’t too big of a club a few years prior but within years, the plays became double casted. Now the club puts on full productions of two plays each spring, ones that pack in the audiences to fill the auditorium. “It started becoming big this year,” Kayla said. “People found out about Thespians through friends telling other friends.” The club only met about two to three days a week, and the casts would practice after school. This wasn’t always enough time to get prepared, though. “The practice wasn’t enough,” Kayla said. “At the end, we scrambled.” One thing about joining clubs after school, interacting with others was a nice change. Members of the Thespians club had plenty of time to develop friendships as they worked for hours to rehearse for the play. “The best part of Thespians is meeting new people,” Kayla said. “It’s not like we see them all day everyday, so it’s nice to get to act with them.” The Thespian club wrote their play based on the 2009 stop-motion 3D fantasy children’s film, also called, Coraline, based on Neil Gaiman’s 2002 novel of the same name. The film was a huge success, and was popluar with all ages, young kids and adults. The movie was about a young girl who found an alternate universe in her families new apartment. She goes to this other world to be with her more perfect family, only to discover that her family back home is her safe haven. Every year the Thespians club has a huge challenge to write and produce their own play. Students not only direct and act in the play, but they develop scenery, costumes, dialogue, and plots. Every year they retell two classic children’s stories in their own, unique way. They plays are atteneded by elementary aged students who come to see the Thespian productions during the day time, and many return to see a second prodcution with their parents in the evening. Younger students who come to the productions receive a ticket to see a different performance if they return with a guest. Kayla felt that Thespians was going to keep growing over the years. This year’s productions of Coraline and Aladin would promote the high standards of the club and guarantee its future success. As the popular plays continue to be successful, the Thespians had guaranteed scucess. By K. Fay and B. Stepka
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A Christmas
Miracle
By: Chelsea Schichtel
Having to move to a new town so her
father could start his own business was a lifestyle change for Andrea Schichtel. The move was difficult for a family of five. They had little money, which led them to decide to live in a family friend’s travel trailer. In this trailer, they were provided with one bedroom and a homemade bathroom. One morning, Andrea was in for a surprising awakening. “I remember my parents calling my sisters and I out to the living room saying, ‘girls wake up come see what santa brought you,” Andrea Schichtel said. She could not believe her eyes when she saw a pile of gifts surrounding her Christmas tree. Here sat bags and boxes covered in wrapping paper and ribbon. “We were so excited, we were jumping up and down screaming with joy and pacing around the gifts,” Schichtel said.
Clothes, toys, dollies and little ribbons for their hair filled the boxes, but it wasn’t over yet. After they finished unwrapping the gifts and sat down to eat breakfast, Andrea and her sisters decided to play outside. In five years, it never snowed during their time in Alabama. However, there was another surprise. “We followed my dad outside, and before I could even step outside, BAM! It was snowing!” Schichtel said. Andrea’s father made snow and positioned the bucket over the main entrance to the house. When each child walked out of the house, he pulled a string which released snow. The snow completed the Christmas she would never forget. “I would have to say that was the best Christmas ever,” Schichtel said. “I still can’t believe such a miracle had happened to my family.”
Andrea Schichtel opens her presents celebrating her Christmas miracle at home with her family. Photos: Marylin Hyde
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Nick R. ‘12 (below) throws shotput during a track meet. Photo: Scott Randall
WE By James-Dean Peck
7
Are
W
Adin H. ‘11 and Chad S. ‘12 (below) work in West’s auditorium on thier scripts for the play Aladdin. Photo: Odyssey Yearbook
Savannah S. ‘14 (left) dribbles the ball downfield while playing in a match against Gaylord. Photo: Odyssey Yearbook
WEST
8
Anime
freaks
By Cheyanne Marshall
Rachelle J. ‘12 of the TC West anime club believes that anime doesn’t make you a nerd, just different. However, to be different in high school is to set yourself up to be the one who is picked on, yet students like Rachelle are different every day, especially on Fridays during anime club meetings. From anime, students can see how the Japanese picture the world, or their fake world that they create. “It gives you more of an idea, it’s not like school where you just learn about it,” Rachelle said. Traverse City West junior, Rachelle Jarvis, founder of anime club believes anime doesn’t make you a nerd, just different. Most students just want to be different, so those who actually say they like anime or something that others find bizarre can be categorized as nerds or freaks. However, with their different behaviors and obsessions give the opportunity to learn about other cultures. Language is also something they learn. The pronuciations of the Japanese vowels are different from English, so people have some trouble
11
Rachelle J. ‘12 looks through her Pokemon cards at her house, deciding which cards to select for the new deck she will take into battle.
with Japanese pronunciations, since the names are often Japanese, rather than changing it to an Americanized name. The vowels are slightly different which really messes up people who speak English. However, it is not the Japanese language that drew Rachelle in. “It originally started with my cousin showing me Black Blood Brothers. I just kind of became obsessed with anime after that,” Rachelle said. From just watching anime because family showed it to her, she began to love anime. Next came manga, the book form of anime. Then fanfics and fan drawings. Websites appeared for those who
like anime and manga. There are plenty of sites that allow you to view these four things and you can enjoy them for free. Some find the obsession a little weird. “It doesn’t make you not a nerd, a bit weird, because it warps your mind. But I think it warps everyone’s mind,” Rachelle said. It can be hard for people who like anime since it makes them different. While some might tease the club members for their interest in anime and manga, in the end, those who love anime come together and become friends around a common interest.
Rachelle’s drawing of three characters from a video game called Kingdom Hearts. Photos: Rachelle Jarvis
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Life In The
13
Above: Brandon Thirlby, in the black and green themed boat M-14, sponsored by Thirlby Automotive races past his number one competitor to win his fourth national championchip in one weekend. Right: Taking the inside lane on a fast track, Bramdon Thirlby passes the 30 car on the last lap at Eastbay Speedway in Orlando, Florida.
Fast lane
Brandon Thirlby is a world famous hydroplane boat racer and a Dirt Late-Model racer in the United States. Success in both types of racing has been diverse. He began boat racing when he was only 12 years old, and one year later, at 13, Thirbly had won his first national championship in hydroplane boat racing. Over his hydroplane boat racing career, Thirlby has won over 60 podium finishes by finishing in the top three, 15 point championships and 17 national championships. Competing against multiple countries and racers with different skill levels, he won a world championship. He has also accumulated numerous awards that are in memorial for past racers. These types of awards are developed for the benefit of past racers. Only being 23 years old, he is arguably one of the best hydroplane boat racers in the world according to other racers and his reviewers. In 2009 he won his first world championship at the age of 19, competing against racers from 30 different countries. In 2010, his car racing career became noticed with many top five finishes and multiple wins at notoriously difficult tracks. A major part of racing is affording all the parts and maintenance that are required to have a safe race. Sponsors assist with such deals. While other racers are sponsored by the big time companies, such as Monster Energy Drinks and Energizer, Thirlby is sponsored by local business. Thirlby
Automotive, a local auto parts store owned by his dad, and Fram Air filters, both primary sponsors, along with some other companies helping out with some minor details. “Thirlby Auto does very well but it doesn’t have millions of dollars sitting around for car racing,� Thirlby said.
Brandon Thirlby speeds past the finish line at Lake Depue in Illinois. Photos: Jacque Thirlby
Whether in dirt or on water, this racer has crossed many finish lines ahead of the pack 14
Promfection
An invitation to Prom is perfection By: Taylor Soper
If you walked out of school and saw your car com-
one had written all over it with paint. But when Ashlee
pletely covered in post-it notes, you would probably
M.’s car got a paint job, she didn’t mind leaving the paint
assume you were being pranked. However, in Nicole S.’s
on for a few days because it was how she got asked to her
case, the post-it notes all over her car were just a cre-
Junior prom.
ative way for her boyfriend to ask her to prom. “I was really surprised and happy. Last year I got asked
“It definitely made my day when Bobby asked me. I was not expecting it at all,” Ashlee said. Bobby L. and she
through a text message and this definitely topped that,”
walked out to the parking lot after school and she noticed
Nicole said. One day when she was in choir, her boyfriend
“Prom?” was written on the back of her car.
asked her if she could come open the door for him and
“My mouth dropped open and I couldn’t find any words
when she did she could see her car covered in sticky notes
too say. I was too ecstatic and surprised,” Ashlee said.
that spelled out the question “Prom?”
She couldn’t wait to show all her friends her prom deco-
“I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, my car is covered in
rated car.
sticky notes,’” Nicole said. Covered in pink, purple, blue
For some prom askers, decorating a car or a room just
and yellow post-its, you could spot her car from a mile
wasn’t big enough. One student used his date’s family
away.
trip as a time to decorate her yard to ask her to prom.
Another way to surprise your would-be prom date
Luckily, Emily H.’s parents weren’t too upset when Emily
requires a little more sneaky behavior. If you opened the
and her family arrived back home from a week long vaca-
door to your room only to find balloons and flowers, you
tion only to find their yard covered in bright balloons.
would probably wonder how someone got into your house
“When I saw it, I instantly started crying because I
and placed all that in your room. When Kayla H. experi-
was so happy,” Emily said. She was on her way home from
enced this, she realized someone didn’t just break into
South Carolina when she came home to her whole house
her house, she was being asked to prom.
and yard covered in balloons.
“I was so surprised, I couldn’t stop smiling,” Kayla said. She walked into her bedroom one day after school
There were individual posters stuck into the ground that spelled out “Prom?”
and there were a few balloons, a bouquet of flowers, and a duck stuffed animal waiting for her on her bed. Again, asking for the date came down to one word. The question “Prom?” was written on one of the balloons. “It was definitely a creative way he asked me. Words
Darrin N. was the guy who asked her. He left a note to her parents on a balloon on her mailbox that read, “Dear Mr. and Mrs. H., I will clean everything up for you.”
Maybe you’ve dreamed about prom since you
were a kid or maybe the thought of dancing in front of
couldn’t even explain how happy and shocked I was,”
people makes your stomache churn.
Kayla said. She kept the balloons until they deflated
Prom night is something that you will always remember,
themselves.
and how you get asked will never be forgotton, if he does
No one would ever want to clean their car after some-
15
it right.
(Top left) Emily H. comes home to her yard decorated to be asked to Prom. (Top right and bottom) The car of Nicole S. is decorated for Prom. Photos: Odyssey Staff
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17
A F oolin’ Family By Taryn Melton
Laura and Denny (center), a friend of the family, enjoy a good laugh. Above: Laura enjoys a horse ride. Photo: Laura Melton
Growing up and working on a farm may be difficult, yet the best experience in the world for a child. From playing with the animals to pulling pranks on friends and family, Laura Melton really enjoyed her childhood in the small Catholic town of Westphalia, Michigan. Looking for fun as a child, Melton loved to pull pranks on other people. Melton’s cousins from the city came to visit them and she knew they would be fun to mess with. “I knew my cousins were city sissies,” Melton said. Her cousins had never been on a farm before, so Melton knew to take advantage of it and pull a couple of pranks for a good laugh. After the cousins got settled in, they all went outside to play a game of tag and show the cousins around, so Melton took them to go play in the corn field. As they were running, she made sure to weave in and out of the field which eventually lost one of the cousins. “I know it was wrong now, but at the time I thought it would be funny,” Melton said. She knew exactly where they were at, but she wanted to see if they could find their own way out. Next, Melton was still with the other two cousins and she took them to the barn to show them around. They started playing on the hay lift, a platform on a
Laura and her parents (above) in front of their cornfield on their farm pose for a picture just before Laura’s graduation. Photos: Laura Melton
pulley to lift hay to the second level of the barn. Melton put her cousins on the lift and rose it all the way to the top of the barn, and left them there. As Melton’s mother called them in for dinner, nobody came. So finally Melton’s dad, mother, aunt and uncle went searching for them. Finally finding Melton in the barn laughing, Melton’s father was furious with her actions, so after Melton got them down and found the other cousin in the field, she had to apologize. “I was in so much trouble that night, I was scared to wake up the next morning,” Melton said. She had extra chores for the next couple of weeks. “Yes, the punishment felt cruel, but overall I still thought it was worth it,” Melton said. She messed with her cousins a lot and she is still close with them today. Now they look back on everything and all they can do is laugh. Looking back, Melton loved the experience and all of the memories, but she does not see herself going back seeing as she is an adult. “I loved the experience of growing up on the farm as a child, but I could not see myself moving back,” Melton said.
18 18
A Player’s By James-Dean Peck
19 Photo: Compass Staff
View
w
“What is this?” That’s what Zach Bragdon ‘11 said to himself while at his first practice for the TC Alliance Rugby Club. He was pretty confused at the start, but now, he’s a seasoned veteran. Playing a sport that you’ve never played has to be hard. It’s a whole new set of rules you have to follow, and a group of guys, some of whom you don’t really know. Bragdon knows too well about this. “It’s intimidating,” Bragdon said, “I’m learning new things every day.” To really learn about a new sport, you have to start with where it came from. Rugby was first played in Warwickshire, England at the school named Rugby School. Bragdon didn’t read up on the history about it, instead he got invited by a friend. “He just kept on bugging me to join,” Bragdon said, “so one day I went to a practice and liked it.” In Rugby, you have laws, not rules. This generally annoys players. They can end a drive as quickly as the iceberg sunk the Titanic. That it can take away a try, equivalent to a touchdown in football, is what really gets to the players. Bragdon has one law that bugs him the most. “Your not allowed to decleat players” Bragdon said. Decleating means that a player can’t make a hit that knocks another player off his feet. Everybody has something that makes their season memorable, no matter what sport you’re in. The equalizing goal, the game winning touchdown, a walk-off home run, or the ending penalty shot in hockey. It’s something that inspires each player and motivates the team. Bragdon had one of these moments. “Making my first field goal,” Bragdon said. “It’s something I’ve never done before, and it was pretty exciting.” You really can’t judge a sport until you’ve played it for awhile. When you’ve been in the cleats, going through all the pains, and living in the moment, you really understand that sport. Players for the TC Alliance Rugby Club come from all over the area, since no one school fields enough Rugby players to form its own team. The Alliance plays in the West Division of the Michigan Youth Rugby Association, and is open to all players, ages 1418, in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties.
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The
by Kyle McKee
Gas
Collection
In 1991, the Smithsonian Institute asked Chris McKee to loan an antique map rack, originally on display at a gas station for a display on the history of travel in America. Last year, he donated a part of his collection to Central Michigan University. “I have always been interested in preserving our history. Donating artifacts to CMU ensured the preservation of the material for future generations to enjoy,” McKee said. “I personally love old cars, and gasoline stations and cars are made for each other. My interest in gas station items was brought on by my interest in old and interesting cars,” McKee said. McKee said that he started to collect gas station things when he was about 8 or 10 years old. The first thing he got was a magazine called “The Wonderful World of Disney” from a local Gulf gas station that was 25 cents. Other oil or gas stations had things like coin collections, model cars and tanker trucks for $4.00 to $5.00. Before too long he started to pick up maps from gas stations, and also started to dumpster dive for oil cans. Occasionally found a sign. The one problem that he had is that his parents did not exactly agree with the whole idea of dumpster diving.
“When I first started collecting, my mom and dad wondered why I didn’t collect more average things like baseball cards. They were, however, supportive of my interest and helped when they could,” McKee said. “Sometimes I felt as though I got tired of the gas station signs and cans. As my collection grew, it got harder to display everything. I thinned the collection from time to time and put it away to do other things.” Then he bought a house with his brother and started to collect more valuable, rare, and bigger things like gas pump globes, large signs, and began to collect older oil cans. At that time he had about 200 different oil cans. He got his first gas pump and his old job at Townson Neon. It was a 1985 Dino gas pump. He got his second gas pump form a fellow collector who lived in Virginia, only one of his many other fellow collectors around the country. McKee got the gas pump in 1987. It was a Gulf No-Nox. He acquired the last one in 1991 from a bulk plant near Detroit. The brand was Gulf No-Nox again. McKee said, “Recently, other more important tasks have caused me to, for the most part, stop collecting. I still have a collection, but am content to enjoy what I have instead of accumulating more.”
Chris McKee (top) collects gas cans, and other memorobilia, and loves showing them off, even donating some. Standard Oil signs, especially lighted signs, are among the most collectible in the market. McKee (left) stands in the glow of his 1963 Sinclair gas pump. Restored gas pumps like this one often sell for more than $2000. McKee (left) presents another one of his 1953 gas pumps, surrounded by other Gulf Oil brand items. Photos: Kyle McKee.
22 10
Heaven U2 By:Taylor Soper
During a stopover in Frankfort, Germany, Jodi
Soper was given an opportunity of a lifetime.
One of her favorite memories of being a flight at-
They spent hours getting ready for an unforgetable
night.
Jodi attended the concert with a few others and
tendant was when she was unexpectedly given tickets
sang along to every song. The music was so loud that
to see U2 in concert in Frankfort, Germany.
they couldn’t even hear themselves talk.
U2 was one of her favorite bands at the time. When she arrived in Germany, her and the other flight attendants went straight to their hotel for the night. The traffic was awful and it seemed
The line to get into the concert was really long but to Jodi, it was worth the wait. “It was so cool to see one of my favorite bands in one
of the coolest cities. I got to meet people from all over the world,” Soper said.
like they would never make it to their
Jodi still says to this day that it was the
hotel.
neatest surprise she ever got.
“We couldn’t figure out why the town
“The concert was packed but
was so packed,” Soper said.
it was an outside concert and the
When they finally arrived at the Marriot
weather was per-
hotel, they asked the front desk why the
fect,”
traffic was so bad. The hotel they were stay-
Soper
ing at was the tallest hotel in Germany.
said.
“We found out there was a U2 concert going on
U2 was play-
that night,” Soper said. Unfortunately, most of the tickets were sold out and any available tickets were
perfect time for a concert. The stars were right above
hundreds of dollars.
the audience and U2’s music filled the air.
Jodi and her co-workers went out to eat at a res-
“It was funny to think about how all my friends
taurant. When they got back to the hotel, they saw
were back home doing whatever it is they were doing
their boss standing in the the lobby. He carried a wide
that night and I was in Germany watching one of my
grin on his face.
favorite bands in concert,” Soper couldn’t wait to get
“I bought U2 tickets, so we are all going together,” he said. Soper and her colleagues became instantly excited. “It was one of those pinch me moments,” Soper said.
23
ing around 8pm, the
back to the United States to tell her friends and family about this great surprise. “I didn’t think my life could get any better at that moment.”
24
Facing
Fierce Competition By: Taryn Melton
Waiting for the most difficult and intense cheerleading season, both Junior Varsity and Varsity practiced extremely hard before competition season even began. Both teams knew it was going to take long, hard, and frustrating practices to achieve their goals, but they all knew to stay tough and work as a team. You could almost call them a family. “The most difficult thing for me was learning round three because we had to cooperate as a team,” Kayla O. ’14 said. Round three was full of stunts testing and proving a teams skill and ability to work together. “It was hard to deal with the negativity one gets when you cannot pull off a stunt or a back handspring. It frustrates you, and you become irritant, so I try to stay positive,” Olympia S. ’14 said. From their first competition to their last, both teams improved a tremendous amount. They improved physically and mentally as they grew together. “I was really proud of the progression of the team,” Olympia said. Members of the team shared how they loved the rush of excitement when they approached the mat to find all eyes of the screaming crowd on them. “I liked being out there on the mat showing off our stuff,” Olympia said. Most of the time the girls would come off the mats either pumped or disappointed due to an awesome performance or a minor mistake.
25
“I tried my best to resist all of the negativity my mind gives me whenever I messed up or fell,” Olympia said. Both the teams had their ups an their downs, but one of the hardest challenges Varsity had was having to re-do their round three due to an injury that took place during round two at the Mt.Pleasant competition. Olympia dislocated and fractured her elbow on the mats while doing a back handspring. “The day of the competition I was a bit worried, but not to concerned because I thought I had it down and I was really excited, but when I did it my hands were wrong so my elbow turned the wrong way, and my bone popped out,” Olympia said. By the time round three came up Olympia was already on her way to the hospital, so Varsity, without one of their flyers had to forfeit their round three. “I was really bummed I had to sit out of other events, and I was upset that the team had to work harder now to change round three again after already changing it so many times before,” Olympia said. Even after her injury Olympia stood by the teams side for the rest of competition season. Varsity eventually got their round three adjusted for the new circumstances, and were ready for the next competition. “Competition season was full of challenges, and excitement, but it was all worth it, and I could not feel closer to the rest of the team,” Kayla said.
Above: Varsity cheer team does a hirkie at a home competition last February. Bottom left: Amy S. ‘14 cheers off the mat after round one of competition. Bottom Center: The Titan Junior Varsity team stands at attention during the playing of the national anthem before the competition. Bottom right: Hitch performed by varsity during round three. Photos: Rachel Gauthier
26
We are West
27
by Cheyanne Marshall
Ariana B. ‘11 and Kayla S. ‘12 (below) talk as Alice and her sister in the Alice in Wonderland production shown this spring. Kathrine O. ‘12 (bottom) gets her makeup done before she goes out to preform as Alice. Hogan C. ‘11 (left) teaches a cast member how to flip on the flying equipment for the production of Dracula. Monica M. ‘12 and Billy B. ‘11 (far left) act the roles of the witch and Beast for Beauty and the Beast. Photos: Odyssey Staff
T H E AT E R
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29
ite ‘12 So
Ke
lse
h yW
m
r El me
ull ‘12
Finding the Righ Partner
= Great Record
While some consider the number 13 unlucky, it seemed to become the theme of the tennis season. There was a total of thirteen girls on the team, and the team missed a total of thirteen matches overall due to rainy, wet, and cold weather. Regardless of the slow start, the team had plenty to keep them busy through their winning season. “Though the season was short, we definitely kept busy,” Haley Smith ‘12, said. We had pasta parties often and had a few sleep overs too.” Inter-squad challenges at the beginning of the season meant more stress for the girls. Teammates competed against each other for new positions on the team. This added a bit of drama as team players competed against each other for their desired positions. The challenges also meant that team players shifted, so the girls had to constantly learn new tricks to keep up with each new player. “At the beginning of the season I was originally doubles partners with Monica Hessler,” Haley said. “But after all of the challenges were done, our coach split us up and I was reunited with my partner Chloe Wrona from freshman year.” Chole and Haley had been through a lot together. They were partners before and then got split up, only to be reunited once again.
“Even though we had our ups and downs through the season, we stayed strong and ended the season well with a lot of memories,” Chloe said. It can be a difficult task to find two players that work well together. This year all of the doubles teams had that unique bond that helped them compete well. Even those who just started playing together, bonded to make a winning team. “This season was really fun getting to know my partner Sydney Diss,” Monica Hessler ‘13 said. “We were always those two obnoxious girls that made a lot of noise. It helped us a lot because then our opponents would get annoyed.” Having a partner in a double match had its benefits. Team players became support for their partners. “Monica was always there to keep my spirit up and keep me happy during a tough match,” Sydney Diss, ‘13 said. “We always stayed possitive until the end of the very last point.” The bonding that came with double partners, combined with the growth the players made during the inter-squad challenges, made for a strong team. The girls strength showed when they received some of the highest scores at regionals, sending the four doubles team to the finals. By Stephanie Schreiber.
No Time For Tee Golf Team Travel Far and Wide Like every other sport, golf requires a great deal of discipline and dedication. However, unlike most other school sports the golf team does not have the privilege of practicing on school grounds. While most athletes head for the locker rooms when the final bell rings, the golf team must collect their gear and head for the parking lot.
“Getting to practice can be challenging for
some people because we don’t have a golf course at the school,” Justin Hubbard’13 said.
As the team gathers after school golf clubs
and spikes are packed into student vehicles to be taken to Bay Meadows Golf Course.
“When I was a freshman my brother was
a Junior so he took me, now I have my license so getting to practice isn’t difficult for me,” Steven Gaston’13 said.
….transition into fighting for the best spot
on the team.... “Fighting for the top six spots on varsity is probably the most challenging part of golf. “There are eight or nine really good players so the competition for the best spots is tough.
It has it’s rewards....
“The best part about being on the team is getting to practice all the time, playing with the team is much cheaper than playing without one”....
Each member of the golf team has discov-
ered that a little extra devotion is par for the course. By Elizabeth Lidiard
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Andrew Jolink ‘12 (left) prepares to putt the ball in a tournament. Gates Muller ‘12 (top) swings hard toward the green in the spring golf tournament. The team takes turns warming up their swings for the day’s event (above). Photos: Odyseey Staff.
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SPRINGTIME
SPAWNS SENIORITIS
As the thought of graduation sets in, students begin to focus on their social lives and relax their efforts in school By: Kendra Wells
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Left to right at top: Hannah Sian ‘11 sings karokee. Senior students enjoy their final prom. Modeling for the Trashion fashion show, seniors were in the spotlight. Acting as Coraline, seniors enjoy their last performance on the high school stage. Portraying Aladdin, seniors enjoyed the more whimsical performances. Hannah participates in Fight Night at Lake Ann Camp. Photo of West Senior High taken from North Long Lake Rd. Photos: Odyssey Staff
Webster’s Dictionary defines a senior as a person with
higher standing or rank. So why are high school seniors so
many other things to prepare for,” Hannah said. “Summer
eager to move on?
plans, college admissions, and a heavier work schedule all
can distract me from my academic life.”
“[Seniors] have been in school for over twelve
“Staying focused can be hard because you have so
years,” Hannah Sian ‘11 said. “Most of us are ready to
leave because we’re ready for a change.”
and the special treatment around school, what makes it
so difficult to be a senior?
That need for a change is commonly known as
With shortened schedules, classes off of campus,
“senioritis”. An estimated 79% of high school seniors have
been diagnosed with senioritis (Wikipedia). The common
there,” Kevin Wells ‘11 said. “The days feel so long and
symptoms include loss of motivation, a generally dismis-
monotonous.”
sive attitude, and an over-excessive wearing of track
pants and sweatshirts. The crippling disease that strikes
move on, being a senior isn’t all that bad.
seniors also features a lack of studying and repeated ab-
sences.
said. Seniors definately had their run of the school as they
“I have noticed a slight drop in my grades and
“Knowing that you’re almost done but not quite
Although the students are more than ready to “The superiority in school has it’s perks,” Kevin
ruled the underclassman.
attendance since the thought of graduation has set in,”
Hannah said.
more bearable for the antsy students, the only known
cure for the disease is the phenomenon known as gradua-
While some seniors may dismiss their schoolwork
While these perks make the school day a little
as unimportant, it is imperative that the students stay on
tion. As the reality of the real world faced them, seniors
top of their work.
eventually had to face the world that awaited them.
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We are e s t
by Chelsea Schichtel
Tyler J. ‘13 (below), runs the half mile for the junior varsity team here at a West track meet. Photos: Odyssey staff
Mr. Kirby, one of the West physics teachers, pumps up the crowd with an amazing hat.
35
The bleacher creatures cheer on their team at a West football game. Photo: L. Muzarelli
Nikki M. ‘11 and Raizel C. ‘12 play the part as vampires in the play “Dracula”. Photo: Odyssey Staff
Ian K. ‘11 (left) takes the crowds attention when asked to be a part of the pep ralley dance off. Photo: Odyssey Staff
36
Wrong Right Weather Season The best part of being in a sport is playing games and beating your opponent, but unfortunately for baseball team, the weather took away that opportunity. The team worked hard to prepare for their season, but bad weathre moved in to squelch any hopes of big wins. “Eighteen games total were cancelled, four of them were made up because of conferences,” Coach Bocian said. The weather took its toll on the team and its hopes of winning games to carry them to regionals. The team’s first game came on April 12th, but they had to wait until April 30th to play their second game. The players tried to keep focus but it was pretty hard to keep the flow going. “We had one game one week, and then we’d have to wait a couple of weeks to get to play another game,” Coach Bocian said. He had high praise for his players, though, complimenting them for keepign their heads in the game during a season that was being called “the worst spring they have ever had for sports.” Even with the setbacks, the teams came out ahead, with 16 wins and 12 loses. The varsity team even made it to the district finals. They played Marquette and TC Central. They swept Marquette, but sadly lost to TC Central. The team made a huge comback having to overcome so many games being cancelled. With all the bad weather and snow days in the middle of april the boys still made their coach and team happy. By Brittany Phipps Waiting for the pitch, Jimmy Rinehart ‘11 (top) transfered from Central to West to play baseball here. Ready to hit the ball, Ben Casciano ‘11 (right) is the short stop and one of the pitchers for the Varsity team. Pitching the ball to strike out the batter, Joey Caraccio ‘12 (left) has been playing baseball since he was 11 years old. Photos: Brittany Phipps, and Taeler Aspenleiter
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38
Fanatic
.
Liverpool
By James-Dean Peck
A
Scott Huxley gathers the family for a picture of the kids dressed in their Liverpool finest. Photo: Stacey Huxley
chance encounter at a local shop in Notts County, England with, then, head coach of Liverpool, Bob Paisley in 1979 led to discussions about upcoming games, and how Paisley was going to plan for the opposing teams attack and defense. Scott Huxley felt like the luckiest boy in the world, he had met a soon to be famous manager of Liverpool. He was only 8 years old. “We talked for hours,” Scott Huxley said. “I never thought he would talk to an ordinary lad like me. Back then, Liverpool had won the Division One soccer championship multiple times. Yet they were still expected to win more titles. They were known for their constant pressure directed towards the opposing teams’ goalie and the ability to score many points. Kenny Dalglish (1977-1990) was one of the best at scoring goals. Dur-
39
ing his years at Liverpool, he scored 118 goals, or 9 per season. Huxley was amazed by the goals Dalglish scored, whether trick shots or long balls. “Forever ago,” Huxley said, “my favorite player was Kenny Dalglish, you never knew what was he was going to do.” Notts County, England is the home of two major soccer teams; Notts County and Nottingham Forest. Scott was a fan of neither team. Going to school in England, Scott was often bullied because of the team he favored: Liverpool. “Team pride was massive,” Huxley said, “they constantly mocked me. I could never not hear cussing around me.” At the end of day, his buds told him that they were just kidding. “Towards the end of the day,” Huxley said, “two of my best chaps
came to me and said, “‘We were just kiddin’, you old coot.’” Scott Huxley, 35, still feels like the luckiest man in the world. I asked him if that was the highlight of his life. “Looking back,” Huxley said. “It is second best. Marrying my wife is the highlight of my life.”
Liverpool Facts •In 1989, 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives when they were crushed by the perimeter fencing. • Liverpool has won 18 league titles, 7 F.A. Cups and 7 League Cups.. • Liverpool was founded in 1892, when a dispute broke out between two commitee members of Everton F.C. • Liverpool is now owned by current Boston Red Sox owner John W. Henry. • Liverpool versus Everton, or the Meresyside Derby is known as the “friendly derby.”
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Left: Prom King Zach Zelinski ‘11 and Queen Danielle Brzezinski ‘11 dance together after the big crowning. “On Monday it was really awesome because people would come up to me and be like ‘Hey king, what’s up?’” said Zach. “It was really cool.” Below: Annie Norris ‘12 and Katie Zagore get their dance on. Photos: Odyssey Staff
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Above: Sebastian Kucera ‘11, Amanda Fouchey ‘14, Becky Stanwick ‘14, and Isaac Entz ‘12 take a breather. “My favorite part was being able to see all of my older friends,” said Amanda. Right: Patrick Kiessling ‘13, and Angela Baumgartner pose prettily for a prom picture.
A Night to Remember
The most anticipated night has a touch of class as an evening of Paris sets the mood. The newest Disney movie, Prom, starring Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell, and DeVaughn Nixon may have been the inspiration for boys’ finding cute and creative ways to ask their girl to prom. In a preview for the movie, Lloyd (played by Nicholas Braun) hangs a sheet over the side of a highway overpass and waits for the girl to drive around the bend and see it. Unfortunately the sheet gets caught on the top of a semi truck making it’s way under the overpass and the girl never sees it, but could the hanging sheet have been inspiration for the real world guys? Sebastian Kucera ‘11, had a similar idea. “I sewed two bedsheets together and spray painted ‘Amanda’ on one side and a question mark on the other side,” Sebastian said. “I hung the sheets over the balcony during her lunch. It was pretty awesome.” Prom was not just about the asking, though. There was a lot of work that went into the dance way before the big night took place. Juniors started planning and organizing at the beginning of the year, and all their hard work definitely paid off. “This year’s prom was one of the nicest I’ve ever seen,” Kate Hansen said. Ms. Hansen was especially impressed with the giant balloon arches stretching from the entrance doors of the Governor’s Ballroom all the way
to the dance floor. There were also a few changes made. There were more tables to rest at, and the Prom King and Queen crownings were held at 10:30 instead of the customary midnight. This year’s nominees were: Danielle Brzezinski, Sam Heinrich, Laura Muzzarelli, Lauren Bell, Sarah Van Drie, Collin Richards, Peter Melichar, Zach Zelinski, Austin Caldwell, and Trevor Painter. The winners? Zach Zelinski and Danielle Brzezinski. “It was a total shock to win prom queen,” Danielle ‘11 said. “The dance with Zach was fun and he was really sweet so it was a good time.” There are good times to be had before the dance too like taking pictures at the marina and getting ready with all of your closest friends. “Khia [Fay ‘12] and Betsie [Stepka ‘12] came to my mom’s salon to get their hair done,” Macy Blackburn ‘12 said. “It was cool that we could use real products on our hair, and being able to get ready with a bunch of friends was fun, too.” Prom is like a rite of passage for each and every high school student (should they choose). It’s a time for kids to be kids and have fun and just dance it all out! It’s the last high school dance for the seniors before they say goodbye. Prom has been a tradition since anybody can remember and will likely continue on. Story: A. Long
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by Steven Starlin
We are E S T
45
Marchall C. ‘12 and Jamie R. ‘12 (far left) paint their bodies and make some noise in support of the TC West Titans Football Team. They appeared in the Bleachure Creature stands every game. The Concert Choir (top) warms up on the risers for a formal concert in December. Three trumpets sound for Madrigal Dinners (center) as people began to eat. Students performed parodies of several well known performances for entertainment. Kyle S. ‘11 (bottom) stretches in preparation of wrestling practice. He was getting ready for a long, and difficult couple of hours against a fellow Titan wrestler. Photos: Odyssey Staff
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Silhouette of a Dancer
Sherry Banks of Geenfield Indiana, poses for a photo before she enters the stage for her recital during her senior year in 1990. Photos: Sherry Banks.
A ballet teacher like her own, but because of a boy Sherry Banks never went to college to achieve her dream. “Ballet was my life that I threw away,” Banks said. After graduating High School, Sherry was supposed to attend Ballet College in North Carolina to fulfill her childhood dreams. She had been taking ballet since she was seven years old, since she attended a school which focused on ballet. Due to Debbie Wilkerson’s Dance Studio’s rules, she was not allowed to start ballet classes until she was seven years old. Until then, she focused on tap dancing. “Tap helped me stay in shape,” Banks said. “Both types of dance call for similar movements, so tap allowed my toes to stay strong.” The music was classical and it allowed the dancers to move at a graceful speed. She danced with a lot of peers, but Tammy Rhoades-Stanwood, who stood out the most during her time in ballet, went on to attend a dance company in New York and had her own line of shoes. Banks danced in many plays during her high school career. Of the few she remembers, Sea Nymph, a child in the Waltz of the Children from The Nutcracker and Snow White became the most memorable. Her favorite role was becoming Snow White because the princess was her favorite childhood fairytale. Plus, it was her senior year. “I was finally the lead and it made me the happiest girl alive,” Banks said. Although she was an impressive dancer, her worst memory of her dancing career was
forgetting her dance when she got on stage. Improvising was her only option. Although she cried after the performance, her teacher told Banks that she was still proud of her. “My teacher told me that she was proud of me,” Banks said. “Plus, the audience had no idea that I was improvising. It was one of my best memories.” In addition, a good memory of being in ballet was when she gained her point shoes. Although they were painful, the dancers learned to distinguish pain from annoyances. “I wanted to wear my point shoes because I had to prove myself to get them,” she said. When Banks first received her point shoes she was happy because she had to prove herself and her dancing abilities to the dance company. At one point, when she was rehearsing she took her shoes off for a quick break to apply dance powder to her feet. She noticed her feet were blistered and bloody. Noticing her feet, the dance teacher told her that she wasn’t to wear them for the rest of the day since they were performing the next weekend. “I didn’t want to talk to my teacher after that,” Banks said. “The only thing I wanted to do was wear in my new shoes.” When she was planning to go to college she knew she wanted to study at Wake Forest, a ballet college. Having her mind set on leaving to Wake Forest, she was immediately told she could not leave. Her boyfriend did not want her to leave because he wanted her to stay with him. So, she didn’t go the school of her dreams. “I was boy crazy,” Banks said. “I regret not being able to follow my dream to go and study ballet. However, not going to college I gained two daughters, a son, and a good husband.”
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Collections for clothing and personal items were taken for the Life Clinic. Photo: Odyssey Staff
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Traverse Life Clinic
Community Members come to West Side Community to help the less Fortunate
Traverse City Life Clinic is an organization that sets out to work with youth groups and area churches to help people in need around the community. This year the clinic worked with the West Side Community Church to collect need items like clothing, food, and basic living essentials like health care and hygien through hair stylists. Dentist, doctors and hairstyles came in to help the people in need, and church members gathered needed donations for community members who needed help. Every person who came in for help was also served a meal. The West Side youth group put on the clothing drive this year. “We took huge refrigerator boxes and put them up all around town and at the church for people to drop off there lightly used clothes.” Liz Lidiad ‘11 said. She helped with the clothing drive and had been a member of the youth group for several years. The youth group asked their classmates to help and put up fliers around the school to ask for donations. Their efforts brought in two huge refrigerator boxes full of clothing to give to those in need. “It took many helping hands and days to complete the huge project of sorting all the clothing.” Sarah Lidiard ‘12 said. The collection efforts were not done yet, though. Youth group members donated their time to sort through the items and set up a display in the church auditorium. The Traverse City Life Clinic was a huge success this year and was able to cloth, feed, and provide medical checkups to any person who came seeking help. The Life Clinic will travel to another church next spring to provide help to any community members in need. By Haven Thomack
50
WE ARE
WEST by Tyler Thirlby
T
The hockey team (far left) looks onto Coach Rintala’s last minute plans in the West V.S Central game. Carley B. ‘12 (top) punches out clay for a Sculpture class project. John M. ‘12 and Courtney B. ‘11 (center) Work on a project in class. Demetrious K. ‘11 (bottom) jumps to catch the ball in the West V.S Cadillac. game, West went on to beat Cadillac. Photos: Odyssey Staff
Age is just a Number Normally the saying goes, “the older the better,” but for the girls soccer team, this motto didn’t apply. With a varsity team that had more freshman and sophomores compared to upperclassmen, the girls didn’t seem to mind the age difference. In fact, some team members enjoyed the diversity of ages among the girls. Jessica Kalbflesh ‘13, was a sophomore who liked the chemistry between the girls on the team. “Having so many freshmen has made less drama,” Jessica said. She predicted that there was going to be a lot of freshmen joining the varsity team because a lot of freshmen had tried out. “We saw it coming because we do so much work in the off-season,” she said. “It’s helped because since we lost so many seniors last year, now we can build a team. We can start fresh.” Maddy Jenner ‘14, was one of the youngest freshmen that joined the team. “I was nervous because I
didn’t feel like I was going to make it,” she said. Although she was nervous, she was also surprised by how many other freshmen made the team. “We have bonded really well,” Maddy said. “Overall, we don’t really look at the different age levels.” Even with the positive chemistry between the girls on the team and the acceptance of the age groups, Maddy still struggled to stay on top of her game. “The most challenging part is pushing yourself beyond your limits in the games,” she said. “You have to try your hardest all the time and make sure you’re keeping up.” For the girls on the soccer team, age is just a number. Through the struggles of being a younger team, age never conflicted with the girls’ ability to preform on the field and develop friendships along the way. Regardless of their age, class year, or jersey number, the team played hard and strong. By Alyssa Basel
Tyhe girls’ soccer team takes to the field at a home game against Gaylord. Photo: Ciara Swinson
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Morgan Lemcool The Thespian
An actor has plenty to freak out about. There are lines to remember, worries about costume malfunctions, and even worries that the tech crew will make a mistake. All these come to mind before an actor even overcomes the stage fright and enters for their part. A good actor overcomes these fears by them head on and knowing that practive makes perfect. Morgan Lemcool, ‘11 had been in over ten theatrical and music productions since he started high school. In his final year he participated in four different theater inquiry productions; Dracula, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, and Coraline. “It’s kind of hard,” Morgan said. “You need two sets of mind so you don’t use blocking from one play into another.” Morgan acted in two different plays at the same time. He played the rold of the Other Father in Coraline and the monkey in Aladdin, obviously, two very different characters. Learning these two diverse parts kept Morgan on his toes. “I had one or two days off from school, other than that I was working.” Morgan said. He was also juggling a job and school work along with memorizing all the lines for the plays. This made for long days and hardly any
Photos: Odyssey Staff
time to himself. With all the work, homework and social life sometimes took a back seat. Morgan was used to the heavy workload, though. He started theater early on. “I started sophomore year at the high school.” Morgan said, “First tri I had Mrs. Olphfs and she asked if I wanted to be an extra in MacBeth. I liked it and kept going with it.” Morgan worked to get a gold pin in theater. This was a high honor from the theater department, more for actor and the realization of their own accomplishments. “Morgan has done an awful lot of theater here”, Mrs. Bach said. “He’s done stage craft, theater two, theater three, and theater inquiry.” Mrs. Bach thinks that Morgan has the gold pin right in his hands. It takes a lot of time to do that much in three years. Morgan plans to go to college for Tech Theater. By Alex Woodcox
“It’s kind of hard,” Morgan said. “You need two sets of mind so you don’t use blocking from one play into another.”
Capturing the Real Yo 57
Senior photos are a right of passage. The class of 2012 are already booking their photo sittings with area photographers to meet fast approaching yearbook deadlines.
ou
S
enior year is a monumental time for most. It is the year when seniors rule the school and lead the underclassmen, a time to plan for their futures as their lives as young adults take them in a new direction. Senior year is a time of planning, hard work, making friends, saying goodbye and moving on. Most of all, it is a time to be remembered. It is a rite of passage to commemorate this major accomplishment with a senior photo. Students who are graduating want to leave their friends, families, and teachers with something to remember them by. Seniors want to leave their friends with a memory that captures their true personality, which is why so many seek a professional photographer before leaving the school and moving on. There are many reasons to get a senior photo done. Seniors need one to hang on the wall at home next to their baby pictures. They need quality photos to give to all their friends, signed on the back with a special message to cherish. They need a photo for their resume and online portfolio. And of course, seniors need a yearbook photo so they can be remembered for years after they graduate. There a lot of good reasons to go to a professional photographer. Not only do they have all the equipment needed to create a senior photo that meets the yearbook publishing specs, they give seniors the royal treatment when they come in for their senior photo sitting. Junior Erin Weider had her photos taken at Windborne Studios. She had three separate photo sittings to accommodate all her senior photos. “It was a lot of fun. He [Photographer, Mike Drilling] doesn’t make things awkward. I felt special,” she said. Erin met with Mr. Drilling at his studio for the indoor shots, but also met at a cherry orchard to capture her in a more natural setting where she could feel and act more like herself. Photographers often take pictures of seniors at the beach, at the scenic State Hospital, in the woods, and downtown along the more edgy, graffitied walls. These unique backgrounds highlight the student’s personality, and the indoor shots make the perfect backdrop for the senior yearbook photo, too. “Why not capture your most important year in a photo that means a lot to you, your family and friends
and the school,” Erin said. “It’s your senior year, not just a normal student picture. You are graduating and need a good picture to be remembered and recognized.” The district set specific requirements for the senior yearbook photos when digital photography made it possible for just about anyone to submit a photo to the Odyssey yearbook staff. With so many amateur photographers, it made it impossible to meet strict publishing deadlines. “We needed to make very strict requirements for our yearbook senior photo submissions because everyone has a digital camera these days, and we were getting too many submissions that did not meet our publisher’s technical specs,” Yearbook Advisor, Mrs. Hansen said. “Plus, too many photos were sized wrong, which compromised the professional quality we try to keep within our yearbooks.” There is a lot to consider when getting a senior photo taken. With so many professional photographers in the area, students have plenty to choose from. Most photographers have been notified of the technical and aesthetic specs required for the yearbook photo, but students can shop around to find a photographer that they feel comfortable working with. Pricing will vary, depending on the number of sittings and photos ordered. Also, some photographers are very busy already, so it is important to schedule a senior photo appointment at the end of junior year to ensure yearbook photos are ready by the October deadline. “Every senior should invest in a quality photo,” Mrs. Hansen said. “This is their final year and they should have a photo that captures these years, some of the best years of their lives.” For those students who do not want to have a professional photo taken, our school photographer, Timeless Image, will take a professional studio shot of seniors at registration. For seniors only, the district pays for the photos to be digitally touched-up with a professional senior background added. Seniors should come prepared in appropriate dress as this photo will be used if the submitted photo does not meet requirements. Students and photographers can find a list of technical and aesthetic senior photo specs for yearbook photos at our school’s web site.
“It’s your senior year, not just a normal student picture. You are graduating and need a good picture to be remembered and recognized.” Junior Erin Weider
Junior Erin Weider poses for her indoor studio shots, and her outdoor shots with photographer, Mike Drilling of Windborne Studios. Her studio shots are more professional, which can be used for the yearbook, for her resume, and on-line portfolio. Her outdoor shots really capture her personality and make great photos to share with friends and family. She met with her photographer on three separate occasions to get all the perfect shots. She will work as an Photo Embasador for Windborne studio, sharing her pictures with other juniors, and encouraging them to take their pictures with the same photographer. Photos: Mike Drilling
Younger players steal the show
Being a Junior lead in one of the biggest performances of High
School, is not that easy. With ACTs, other grades, home and social life, being in the musical is a tough role to take on. Katie McCall ‘12, took on one of the biggest roles in the Phantom of the Opera.
“It was really cool,” Katie said. “I wasn’t expecting to get a lead. I
wasn’t even planning on trying out for one. I’m glad I decided to though.”
Not only did Katie not plan on even trying out, she didn’t expect
to be a lead in the musical.
“When I found out I got the lead, I was so suprised. I walked into
school and saw my name on the list and thought that someone had typed it and put it up as a joke.”
Preparing for the musical isn’t all fun and games either. With all of
the school work ahead, spring is the busiest time of the year, for Juniors especially. Katie knew she could do it. She prepared so well for this lead, and nothing would bring her down.
“I spent a lot of time memorizing my script,” Katie said. “I
watched youtube videos to see what people on broadway did.”
Taking on a roll as big as Katie did took a lot of time and practice,
but in the end, she nailed her performance. Even with the stresses of school, home life, social life, and other commitments, Katie learned to balance and pull off a great performance. By Betsie Stepka and Khia Fay.
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Photos: Steven Dillon at Windborne
Hannah Rickard ‘11, Andrew Jones ‘13, Joseph Kiessling ‘13, and Sean Brown ‘11 (above) are acting out a scene for Phantom. For Hannah and Sean, this performance meant a lot to them because they are seniors and this is their last musical ever for their high school year. Joseph and Andrew have a couple more years, but they had a lot of fun in their performances as well. “I had a great time this year in Phantom,” Sean said. “I’m so glad I have good memories from this year to take with me onto college and even after that too. I’ll never forget it.” Photo: Stephen Dillon
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a R
e n ot
Im in The Band
Ratone has five members. Sean Brown ‘11 with lead vocals, Billy Barton ‘11 as drums, Peter Melichar ‘11 as bass, Aaron Mahoney ‘13 as lead guitar and Maikel RigelWilson ‘12 as back up vocals. Starting out the band there were just three members, Peter, Billy and Sean. “I have always enjoyed music,” said Billy “When I met sean I thought he was really good at singing, and sean knew peter who knew how to play the bass and thought hey lets start a band.” There were two other members added to Ratone. Aaron a sophmore was the fourth to join. Then Maikel a junior was the fifth to join. “I knew sean and I got to hangout with Ratone a lot, they are a really cool group.” said Maikel Photo: M. Blackburn
Lights Off Cell Phones Out
Ratone hit the stage ready to perform and show west senior what they are all about. During the middle of the performance the lights decide to fade away into a blackout. “I was a little bit nervous at first besacuse I couldnt see my guitar,” said Sean Brown The band was playing in a black auditroium in front of an entire crowd. Then when you looked out into the audience there were little glowing lights. Many people pulled out their cell phones and lit up the stage for Ratone. “When I saw the cell phones lit up the stage all of my confidence came back,” said Sean “The feeling was indescribable.” The votes were counted to determine who the winner was for the talent show. While waiting on the side to here the results Ratone was talking to their fans “I didn’t care if we won or not, just getting up on stage and rocking it out in front of all those people was winning itself.” said Sean Ratone had won the talent show. They ran up on stage to stand in the glory of first place. They even got to do another song. “When they announced our name for the wining act I was incredibly excited and proud,” said Sean “Doing an encore was like icing on the best cake ever, it was so much fun and really exciting.” Photo: M. Blackburn
e h T In uture F r a Ne Sticking together while far apart. Ratone has three member going of to college while two are staying in T.C. “Plan on staying at a college in Michigan close to eachother,” said Billy “We will also use skype to have a few practices.” Two band members are sticking together and going to college at CMU. Sean and Billy will continue to play music. “Me and Billy used to do a lot of the writing, its a lot of everyone nowadays,” said Sean “Me and Billy can go back to writing a bunch of songs again like we used to, we will still use facebook and skype to talk and write songs with the band too.” Photo: M. Blackburn
Rockin Out Travers e City
Ratone is hitting Traverse City’s streets and performing at many different places. They are setting out to become localy known in Traverse City. “We have performed at a few places in T.C,” said Billy Barton “Elmwood Township picnic, Scooner Fest, Lil Bo’s, Inside out Gallery, Northern Lakes Community Church and the High School.” Ratone loves playing in Traverse City in front of their friends and their city. “We enjoy playing in T.C,” said Billy “We always seenm to connect with the crowd and vice versa.” They have more performances coming up. They hope to perform at Cherry Festival and the opening of the new YMCA. They hope to go big and perform outside of Traverse City. “We would love to get out and be heard by other people,” said Billy “We hope to perform at a few other places for a better oppurtunity for Ratone.” Photo: M. Blackburn Above Ratone is posing on a hill for a group picture. This was taken by Rachel Barns.
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Contemplating what to write on their shirts, Peter Melichar ‘11 and Billy Barton ‘11, prepare to walk the hallways with a word on their shirt that tells of their greatest fears. Photo: Ashley Parent
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Born
Back: Austin Caldwell, Lauren Bell, Chad , Billy Barton, Sammi Heinrich, Darrin Newstead, Colton Brooks, Zach Brooks Front: Peter Melichar, Raizel Coiman, Leslie LaLonde, Mallory Kaysserian, Monya Bransky.
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he popular TV show, “Glee”, an hour long dramedy about a group of misfit singers who work together in a glee club, was ever growing in popularity. One episode, “Born this Way,” was about cast members noticing their own flaws. To help them achieve self-acceptance, their teacher, Will Schuster, encouraged them to embrace their flaws by printing them on a t-shirt to be worn for everyone to see. To end the show, they sang “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga. This seemed to catch on with students as high schools around the country started taking the same idea and wearing their own T-shirts around their school. “We wore the shirts because we thought it would be fun if we got people at our school to write their biggest insecurities down on a t-shit,” Lauren Bell ’11 said. For some, it was harder to decide what to write on their shirts. Either they had so much they were insecure about or they weren’t ready to accept what they were insecure about. “I chose to write ‘depression’ on my shirt,” Lauren said. “It is something that I see as a flaw in myself. I am
in the process of accepting something about me that I can’t change and by wearing the shirt helped me with it.” It takes a lot to write down what you are insecure about on your body and have others notice it as well. “Some people just stared at me and gave me weird looks in the hallways,” Lauren said. “People thought that I was just doing it ‘to get attention’ or that I was making fun of people who have it as a joke and then there were others who never thought that I had depression because I seem so happy all the time. A girl in my gym class that I don’t really know looked at me and gave me a hug.” The staring from others may have been over-welming, but that was just the process of accepting their insecurities. “At first I was nervous to wear my shirt because I was sharing something very personal about myself that I’m not really comfortable with but then I looked at it as I had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Lauren said. By Ashley Parent
Congratulations on winning the prestigious Silver Award
Nicole S. ‘12 parades down the catwalk for the 2011 Spring Trashion Fashion Show. Each year the art department put on the fashion show made up of clothing from recycled materials as a fund-raiser to benefit a local orgranization. Nicole received the “Creative Creature” award for her dress called “In the Spirit of the Game” made from golf cards.