The
Compass A Publication of Traverse City West High School
Meet The Editors
This fall, I was given the opportunity to join the Compass as the new Editor-InChief. I have spent two years on The Occidentalist, West’s student newspaper, and consider student journalism to be an important part of any school. I started out on the newspaper as a staff writer during the 2010-11 school year where I received an award from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association for an article that I wrote on our school losing its liaison officers. I am currently the Business Manager and an Assistant Editor the Occidentalist in addition to my new role here at the Compass. In the future, I hope to persue a career in law enforcement. I knew going in that taking the helm of the Compass, a new production here at West, would be a challenge and a huge undertaking. However, I like tackling challenges and trying new things, so stepping up to the plate and taking this new challenge head-on was an easy decision for me to make.
It took a little getting used to, and I felt a little unconfident at first, and was afraid I had stepped in over my head. However, it did not take long for me to get used to how things work in a magazine production and I now feel confident in my abilities to serve as Editor-In-Chief. I appreciate the support of our adviser, Mr. Noller, and the patience of the staff as I learned the ropes. The efforts of our Assistant Editor, Jen Keyser, are also much appreciated. Her design experience played a big role in our production. This year, West students continue to make great achievements and make a difference- both at school and in the community. Whether it be sports, music, or participation in student senate, class council, or school journalism productions, student involvement is part of what makes West such a great place. In addition, many students participate in community service and events, dedicating their time to helping others, and making Traverse City a better place to live. The TC West Compass highlights the efforts of our students, and the impact they have. This edition of the Compass is the result of the hard work and efforts of sixteen staff writers, two student editors, and a faculty adviser. Each trimester, we strive to produce a quality, interesting, and informative production that reflects on who we are as a student community. Thank you for reading our production, and for your support!
Chase Schelling Editor-In-Chief
When I was offered the position of Assistant Editor, I thought it was a great opportunity. After working on the yearbook staff at a different school my freshman and sophomore year, I knew it was something I was interested in. I’ve interned with a journalist form the Associated Press and always enjoyed writing. I’ve been interested in photogrpahy for about 6 years so an opportunity like this was right up my alley. Working with everyone in the class was a lot of fun. I think it was a great learning experience, and I hope to take the editor position again before I graduate! Thanks to everyone for taking interest in The Compass. Every view we get is a tremendous amount of support. Enjoy this edition! I designed the cover of this issue of The Compass, inspired by the artwork of Piet Mondrian, an early 20th century Dutch artist. Specifically, we used his 1930 work “Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow” for inspiration.
Jen Keyser Assistant Editor
Meet Our Staff My name is Ashley Parks. I am fifteen years old. I have one younger sister, Haley. I love to hangout and be around with my friends and family. I also loved to be a part of The Compass.
My name is Tyler Porter, I am
part of the graduating class of 2015. I am 15 years old and have been attending the West side schools for three years. I play soccer for the school and am also on a team outside of school called NorthStorm. I like to play video games and listen to music.
My name is Logan Hisem. I have always lived in Traverse City, and take advantage of the opportunities in beautiful Northern Michigan. There’s nothing better than hanging out on a hot summer day on the beach with nothing on your mind. I also enjoy playing baseball during the spring and summer. I have one sibling, a brother who goes to Michigan.
I’m Bobby Donohoe ’15. My favorite sport is baseball, which I have played since I was a little kid. I like the Yankees and the Tigers. I have been to many Tiger’s games. My mom’s side of the family is from Slovakia. My dad’s side is from the Philippines. I am hoping to get into a good college to play baseball, but also get a good education. My name is Brian BoganSchuab. I am a currently a high school sophmore. When I am not in school, I enjoy hanging with my friends. When I graduate, I hope to be a culinary chef. I enjoy having fun, living life on my own terms, and hats. Plus, I think I’m a pretty funny guy.
My name is Libby Lowran. I’m a staff writer for the Compass as well as the school newspaper. I have four pets and am also busy babysit my brother and sister, twins, most of the time. I love being with my family and hanging out with my friends.
My name is Hannah Julian. I hope to get my Doctorate in Law, and be a Supreme Court Justice one day. If I wanted to, I could graduate a year before I am supposed to. I like cheering, and I love to dance. I love to write for fun which, is why I took Digital Media Publishing. I am even writing a book. Asst. Editor Jenna Keyser, Adviser David Noller, Editor-In-Chief Chase Schelling
Meet Our Staff Compass Editor-InChief Chase Schelling ‘12 captured in one of the many light moments in class, talking with Staff Writer Ashley Parks ‘15. “I like to be as laid back and fun as I can, but still have an orderly work environment,” Chase said.
My name is Lili Lockwood. I am in 9th grade and am on the ski team at West. I have been skiing since before I could walk and have loved it every minute. I also am the state champion in waterskiing. I started to competitivly waterski two years ago and love it as much as snow skiing. I play softball and am a retired competitive ice skater.
My name is Jacob Sian. Im a sports fan, football in particlar; but I’ll play them all I love art, all of it from paper to music. When I graduate, I would like to be a physical therapist.
I’m Dan Lan and I was born on in Brooklyn New York. I spent my first few years growing up in Guangzhou China with my aunt and uncle. I came back to the United States when I was four years old and moved to Traverse City. I went to Glenn Loomis and spent a couple of years at Holy Angels during my elementary days. Then I attended West Middle school and now am currently a sophomore at West. I love to weight lift and I would hope to doing something in the medical field in the future.
My name is Bryce Newcomb’15 I’m 14 years old my birthday is September 22. i love sports:basketball,football,baseball,ho ckey. I cant play them but i love watching them i watch sportscenter every morning. I love playing video games with my friends. and I love pancakes. I want to go to Arizona state university for journalism. because i want to be a sports analyst when i grow up.I love acting too last year i was in theater class and i loved it so I’m trying it again this year.
Other Staff Katie Athanson Erial Lown Allison McMinn Abby Miller Shelby Plamondon Lillian Klinetop
in a row
Mid-American Model United Nations Competition
2012 Champions Congratulations to the Jonathan Perry Award Winner
Levi Gourdie
“This award recognizes the ‘true’ ambassador: the person who unfailingly represents the more difficult viewpoints of his/her country, who extends courtesy to all delegates in all manner of debate, and who uses the diplomatic skills needed to take an unpopular position and defend it in a professional manner. The award recognizes those leadership skills in a delegate, thus promoting all that is good about Model United Nations.” - MAMUN
The Compass 8 10
Carving Out Her Future by Dan Lan
11 12 13 15
A Publication of Traverse City West High School
Romeo and Rock by Tyler Porter Life with Lacrosse by Gabe Jasman West’s Next by How to Save a Life by Jacob Sian Memories of a Murder by Alison McMinn
19 22 by Bryce Newcombe
Balancing Act by Hannah Julian
Catching a Dream
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Running: A Daring Escape by Libby Lowran
31
The Sixth Man by Logan Hisem
Carving Out Her Future
by Daniel Lan
She slices through the chilled winter air like a knife and feels the thrill from the intense speeds while adrenaline pumps through her veins. She crosses the finish line, and sees friends and family cheer as she looks to see if she has become what she longed for. To be called a State Champion. For Lili Lockwood ’15 winning has becomes an almost everyday thing. Having trained in Copper Mountain Colorado earlier this year, she is one step closer to her dream of joining the United States Ski Team. The U.S. Ski Team develops and supports men’s and women’s alpine skiing, adaptive alpine, freestyle skiing, cross country, adaptive cross country, and ski jumping. They organize only the best athletes in the country and compete at world and Olympic levels. This is an amazing goal to strive for and, for Lili, there’s only one thing standing in her way. “Money. It’s way expensive. It’s probably around fifteen thousand a year,” Lili said. That large sum of money is due to the various camps, training regimens, equiment, travel, and more. Not everyone has the passion to follow up their life goals, but with Lili’s confidence and talent, she hopes to be successful.
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Her preparatation started early. “I started skiing before I could walk. Literally. I was eleven months old,” Lili said. Lili set her eyes on being part of the U.S. Ski Team at age 7 and hopes to accomplish that by 19. Lili has been training 6 days a week doing drill after drill with her coaches and team members at West. She skied every day except for Fridays. Working hard every day with a huge ambition, she will be an inspiration for many. It’s pretty much go big or go home for her. Monica Hessler brought gold “Go Fast Glitter” for all the girls before the race. The race was hotly contested between West and Central. “My biggest competitor, Shannon Weaver [‘13, Traverse City Central], straddled a gate,” Lili said, so West had a better chance. Among those competing in the team events, Lili led her team, placing 3rd in both slalom and giant slalom, helping her team eke out the State Championship by a mere three points. Next year’s teams will be mostly the same ab both Central and West. “We could defend our title next year,” Lili said. “We have a really likely
chance of defending it if we put the time in.” Or, as Lili put it another way, “We’re going to kick Central’s butt again.” Top Photo: Getting as close as possible to the gates for the best line down the hill, Lili Lockwood pushes through a competition Winter Park, Colorado in 2010. Above: Lili poses with teammates for a group photo with the girls ski team at Boyne Highlands. Bottom: Lili races through gates at Boyne Highlands.
Mountain High OrValley
by: Libby Lowran
This year, we have had at least twenty different contests and fundraisers. These are usually announced over the loudspeaker, by people coming to our classes, or by giant poster staring at us at lunch. By then the prize for winning has been declared in order to raise participation rates. Prizes usually consist of some kind of class food party. But really, what’s the point of these contests or fundraisers? “To get money for clubs,” Emily Fancher ’14 said . As students, we are rewarded for our effort with prizes thought up by people involved in that particular club. “I think they’re a little stupid,” Emily said, “Between this year and last year they didn’t really have any good prizes at all.” For many, this may seem to be the general opinion. “Sometimes they’re really cool,” Julie Foote ’15 said, “But most of the time, when it’s a fundraiser, the prizes aren’t very good.” With the “coolness” of prizes down, the number of people who participate has to be down, but many students like to help the clubs and the schools. “It seems like a lot of kids do,” Emily said. Some classes have raised a large amount of money or gotten everyone to dress up for contests and their effort shows, but not everyone participates. How often do students actually participate? It seems like there is a large group of people who participate often, but others choose not to. “Not very often, like once or twice a year,” Julie said. Not all students at West feel compelled to help with every contest.
Recently, there was a contest where Student Senate members came to each second hour classroom and told them to wear white, for the the big “whiteout” basketball game. The winning class would receive a doughnut party. This contest had a big pull and the percentage of people in a class wearing white was tied between two classes. The winner was determined by a round of rock, paper, scissors between teachers. So it would seem that when Senate members visit classes, it would be the most effective way of getting the news out. “Probably people coming to class is the most effective.” Julie said. Emily agreed that the personal touch is the best. “It’s two people,” Emily said, “Your class is quiet, and you can hear what they say and ask questions.” Another method is to use the paper posters in the commons. The giant posters loom over the commons drawing attention to each upcoming event. This is how many students find out about fundraisers and events. “You get to see the posters everyday.” Emily said. When things are announced at the end of the day over the intercom, students are loud and talkative. This is the least effective way of telling West about contests. These contests and fundraisers can be a huge success and get a club going where they want to be. Even though the prizes may lack a little luster, the clubs involved would have been worse off. Donating can only be a good way to be a part in our TC West community.
Low? The Success and Failure of School Fundrasiers and Contests
Above: Hanna Farkas enjoys her cupcake and balloon on Valentine’s Day. Students and parents paid for others to enjoy a special surprise on this day. Below: Posters are also used to promote sporting events where ticket sales will help benefit either the organization, team, or school.
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Romeo &Rock Dreams... ... Change
Not many people get a chance to live the life of a musician. But the leader of a solo band, Jacob Sian ‘14, who played all the instruments of a heavy metal group, got that chance. Jacob especially liked the electric guitar “It gives you more freedom. You can just do what you want,” Jacob said. Apart from guitar he loved the recording, so much that he eventually got himself in the situation to get a contract for a recording deal. “It was amazing to hear your music come to life, not many people can say they hear that, and it helps you feel good about what your doing,” Jacob said. “I also like seeing the technicians face through the glass, because you can tell if he likes your music or not.” This all happened a little over a year ago. But in the end he decided not to take the deal because he felt their were more important things in life, like his girlfriend. “The things I love mean so much to me, I don’t think I could be away from them for that long,” he said. “I love music too, but I don’t have to get that far in a career to enjoy it.” He also didn’t like the fact that he would be on the road so much. “I didn’t go on the road all too much this early in my career, but I hate the confined space and constant car rides, so I figured it wasn’t the lifestyle I wanted, and I also couldn’t stand being away
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from the things that I love” He is now hoping to go to college at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. “I want to get out of Traverse city and I love Tennessee, so with the help of someone anonymous I found Belmont,” he said. Nashville, the home of Belmont, is a hub of music and recording, including many live music venues. Jacob hopes life after Belmont will be relatively easy. “I want to open a local, family owned, business for physical therapy,” he said. “But I still pick up the guitar once in a while and play for the fun of it.”
Above: Jacob Sian ‘14 poses for a picture on his CD Album Right: Jacob Sian ‘14 talking to his family about his music career.
by: Tyler Porter
Life with
Lacrosse A dedicated Lacrosse player, Ryan Schaub ’14 is a current resident of Trverse City, Michigan and had been playing Lacrosse since he was in 4th grade. Ryan Plays for the Traverse City Bucks but they are not sponsored by the school so players have to pay to play. Lacrosse is not an easy sport you need of cardio, concentration, hand eye coordination, and so much more. The field is set up like a soccer field but with much smaller nets. they players are usally set up in a wide V formation and the players in the front are the ones who usually get the ball first, and Ryan is one of those guys.
Ryan sounds like a good player but as he recalls. “One of my best games was when I was in eighth grade. I scored seven gaols, and twelve hits or checks, I had three blocks, and about four or five take aways.” Seven goals in one game is a pretty impressive for a single player in eighth grade, but of the whole team, he must have been having a good day. A whole twelve checks, maybe he wasn’t having such a good day. Three blocks and four or five take-aways is a pretty good defensive game. Thanks to Ryan, they can safely say they won that game. But there are some risks
By: Gabe Jasman
and dangers of this game. “When I was 14 years old, I broke my forehead,” Ryan said. It was broken above his eye, but he kept playing because he didn’t know how bad it was and did not want to give up. Two months later he finally went to his doctor to get an X-ray, and discovered the broken bone in his skull. But to keep playing even when he was hurt shows strength and dedication to his teamates.
Top: Members of the Traverse Ctiy Bucks Lacrosse team gather around Coach Cerone for final instructions before a game. The lacrosse team finished last year with a record of 10-7-1. Bottom: The Bucks push the ball toward the opposite net in a game at Traverse City’s Thirlby Field. The Bucks’ first shot at redemption this spring will be when they face off against Traverse City Central on April 12 and Petoskey on April 19, two teams that they failed to beat once last year.
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West’s Next
by Bryce Newcomb The freshman football team did not have the season they wanted, but the players are working harder to try to turn their junior varsity season better. With only winning two games the Traverse City West freshmen look to have a better season next year and are hoping to get their quarterback back Kyle Neibauer, who got a concussion when he collided with his team mate and did not play till the final game of the season. “We could have had a better season maybe winning four games. Our two wins came against Cadillac and Petoskey,” Josh Rakan said. At cornerback Josh made 15 tackles and as a running back he had 20 yards this season. “The JV team will win 7 out of the 9 games if everybody can stay healthy,” Josh said. Football preparations with Zachary
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McGuire is conditioning and running also lifting he currently benches 225 pounds and sqauts 310 pounds. Zachary McGuire is also 5 meals a day to gain weight he wishes to weigh 190 pounds by the start of next season. He hopes he can start at QB for the varsity team. Kyle looks to have a better season next year. Kyle will not play defense anymore and is lifting 2 or 3 times a week. Kyle practices his throwing whenever possible he hopes to stay healthy. Kyle says the JV team can win most of thier games if they work hard and learn from last season Strong safety and running back Chase Cavric is lifting and speed traing after school. He benches 145 and squats 245. Chase had one touchdown and forced three fumbles. He thinks the JV team can win 9 games if everybody stays healthy.
Top: Kyle Neibauer (5) drives in between blockers for the tackle against Ogemaw Heights. Above: Jordan Stevenson focuses on an incoming pass during practice before the Central-West game.
How To Save A Life How To Save A Life
By: Jacob Sian
By Jacob Sian
For some, the difference between life and death could be a few short words from the mouth of someone who could never understand. According to studies done by the Center for Disease Control, there are 4,400 deaths per year due to suicide in young people; however there are 100 attempts to every one success. About 14% of high school students reported having thoughts of suicide. Students who are bullied are 2 to 9 times more likely to actually commit suicide. Sometimes the difference can be just a few words, the little insult that was meant to be “funny” can be a deeper cut to some. We don’t realize how life hangs in a balance, which is more delicate to some. “Everyone else laughed; but no one realized how badly it hurt me. I just laughed along so they wouldn’t see anything was wrong,” she said. Those who need help the most often hide it so well that they blend in with the crowd. They don’t want to be seen because they are afraid of people knowing their true identity, and the reality of there situation. “I dressed normal, acted normal and everything. I didn’t want any one to treat me different. The movies and stuff make us look like monsters or creeps...its not true,” he said. Depression can present itself in many different fashions, commonly social isolation, even in crowded places; most people describe it as awkward. Many others dress as how they feel; dark, that’s what is expected.
“I don’t dress in dark clothes like people expect. We’re not all the same,” he said. “We are some of the most unique people. Depression can bring about so many artistic talents. Sometimes I think that the world needs depressed people to make beauty,” he said. We need to realize that one of the best ways to prevent suicide is to keep our comments and jokes to ourselves. More than half of all teenage suicides happen because we drag them down with words until they feel useless and worthless. “I was depressed for three years, majorly depressed. I’d made attempts on my life over and over again... nothing worked. I even got to the point where I was telling myself that death was too good for me, brought me lower than I have ever been. How I got there was the real kicker, because I felt alone and was teased for my attributes. “Every day is a brand new hell and all you can think about is how you could be happy again, sometimes you’d drive yourself crazy doing that. But finally after three years of suffering, I began to come out of it. “Of course I still have moments of depression, sure, every one does. There must have been some reason that none of my attempts worked; but I’m still trying to figure that out. “All I can say is there is hope, that no matter how bad things seem, no matter how bad they get, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. “I’m glad I saw that before it was
too late. I love life now, I hate to say that somehow it made me appreciate life more.” Teenage depression can be stopped, There’s always hope. Those who were interviewed are receiving treatment, andone has already recovered. You may not be able to save the world, but just by being a friend, you can save a life.
Suicide Prevention Help School Resources
Social Worker, Counseling Staff and Nurse Available 933-7700
Community Resources Third Level Crisis Center 24 hours: 1-800-442-7315
922-4800
Pine Rest Clinic
947-2255
Women’s Recource Center 24-hour: 1-800-554-4972
941-1210
941-3900 Department of Human Services Protective Services 1-800-937-5903 National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 USA National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK TTY: 1-800-779-4TTY Emergency
911
Snowboarding With a Passion
By: Ashley Parks
“Snowboarding. All day, every day,” Devin Randell ’15 said. Devin’s fa-
tricks. Torstein Horgmo is a 25
vorite thing to do in the winter is to
year old Norwegian pro
snowboard. She has been doing it for
snowboarder. He is known
almost five years now.
for his flawless style and for
Devin is a new student at West
doing very technical jumps.
Senior High. She came from Central
He is also very good with
High School.
rails.
Recently, Devin went to Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort with one of her good friends, Amelia Tusan
“His style is so steezy.” Devin said. In Devin’s spare time she
’15. Amelia still goes to Central. They
likes to watch videos of
have been good friends for a while
famous snowboarders doing
now. “My friend
tricks. She likes to watch them
and I always
because they
shred it up,”
will help her in
Devin said.
the future when
Devin
she tries to do
has season
them. They also
passes to
give her ideas of
both Schuss
what to do.
Mountain,
Devin’s par-
and Mount
ents really like
Holiday.
what she can
“I have an orange and black K2
do. They are really proud of how she has came from the beginning.
snowboard,” Devin said.
They also think that he keeps her
She pretty much taught herself to
out of trouble because it’s something
snowboard. One day when she was
she can keep her mind set to do. She
watching the X Games, she decided
hopes she can accomplish more tricks
to try out snowboarding. It just in-
over the years she snowboards. Her
spired her to do it.
parents never did do any winter sports
If Devin ever had the chance to become pro and to compete she definite-
when they were her age. Devin’s friends are also very proud
Top: Devin hits a jump with her snowboard. Devin snowboards regularly at Schuss Mountain, and at other local ski and snowboard resorts. Left: Devin’s smile is one of her attributes that her friends say they like most about her. Devin has a very happy, outgoing, personality.
they could do the same. “I really love to snowboard.” Devin said. It’s always good to have something to look up to, that you like or enjoy. It’s really good because if you push
ly would. Her favorite snowboarder is
of her snowboarding, too! Some tell
yourself, you will want to try harder
Torstein Horgmo. She really likes him
her that they are jealous of her skills.
and harder to get to a higher level of
because the way he rides and does his
They think she is really good and wish
accomplishments.
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Murder
Memoriesof a
By:Alison McMinn
A band started out of pure inspiration, and love for performance. Local metal band, Memories Of A Murder, officially added student , Justin Riley ‘13, in November, 2011. “He’s the youngest member,” Troy Lawsen ‘09 said. Troy knew Justin was a great guitarist, and he had invited him to join. “Justin play’s rhythm [guitar] along with Dan Rockwell (‘09),” he said. Troy’s love of music started in about fifth grade, and he gathered some personal influences. “What got me started were bands such as Silverstein, Senses Fail, Story Of The Year, and I can’t remember the others, but those were all of my beginning influences,” he said. Finally, after Troy was out of high school, Memories Of A Murder was
created. “Me and my best friend, Ben Weston ‘08, started the band in January 2010,” he said, “Some of our sound influences for the band were, White Chapel, The Acasia Strain, A Day To Remember, and The Black Dahlia Murder.” Tylor Labonte ‘14, is a close friend of Justin, and is a great fan of M.O.A.M. “He’s my best friend,” says Tylor, “He’s a great guitarist.” Justin’s musical experience started at a young age, and he risen to meet the challenge of this experience. “I’ve only been playing 5 years,” Justin said. Justin’s musical influcences are similar to Troy and Ben’s. “My biggest musical influence is A Day To Remember.” The band today consists of six mem-
bers: vocalist Troy Lawsen ‘09, rhythm guitarist Justin Riley ‘13, lead guitarist Ben Weston’08, rhythm guitarist Dan Rockwell ‘09 , drummer Jeffrey Drake ‘10, and bassist Sawyer Hentschel ‘10. The band is doing great, venue to venue, gaining fans, and performing live shows. They also hope to tour soon. The band describes itself as new metal, hardcore, and screamo, and features the Troy’s guttural growling over aggressive lyrics. The band last played January 14 at the Dirty Hippie in Grand Rapids. You can find out what’s happening with the band by following them on facebook, checking out their band page, or streaming music from their ReverbNation page: https://www. reverbnation.com/moam.
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We are
West
Facing page, top: Jen Keyser performs in the circus on Tuesday, Sept. 27th. Lower left, Actors from the theater production swoon. Lower right, Jeff Linenger playing in the drum line on Thursday, December 08 at Thirlby feild before a game. This page, top, Tuesday, Jan. 19, The west vollyball team plays a game in the big gym at West. Center, left: Mr. Noller experiments with symbaloo.com in his office. Middle left, Bryce Harner along with his team in football are listning to a pep talk before a game at Thirlby feild on Thursday, October 13. Middle right. Tuesday, December 20, (from left to right)Taylor Miller, Kayla O’
Education for a purpose By: Ashley Parks
“I think that police work can be overexaggerated”, says Chase Schelling, ’12. When Chase is done with high school and college, his plan is to become a police officer. “It’s not always constant car chases and gun fights. There’s actually a lot of paperwork”. He says that most police officers never have to fire their weapons, and if they do, it’s certainly not everyday. Chase would like to be a police officer because he wants to make a difference in the community. He would enjoy to “help people that cannot help themselves.” “I would like to eventually be a detective because I want to be able to stop criminals before they hurt anybody else”. says Chase. Some students still do not know what they want to be when they get out of high school, but it’s good to have an idea. Chase is a senior at West High School, and plans on going to the police academy at Northwestern Michigan College, and
then transferring to a four year college to earn a degree in criminal justice. For now, he is just happy to be a high school senior. Last year, Chase was a staff writer for newspaper, and this year he is the business manager. He’s been on the school newspaper for two years. He is also one of the four editors that revises articles and manages the staff. Last April, Chase, who was a staf writer at the time, won a MIPA (Michigan Interscholastic Press Association) for an article that he wrote for the school newspaper about budget cuts and the loss of our school liason officers. Chase is the new the Editor-InChief for The Compass Magazine. In addition, Chase is currently the business manager for the TC West Occidentalist, our school paper. “I really enjoy being on both the Occidentalist and the Compass. Having the opportunity to lead these productions is really awesome,” Chase said. “These classes are my favorite part of my day.”
“I want to be able to stop criminals before they hurt anybody else”
Top: Chase and his three sisters hikied the Boardman Trails last year. Bottom, Chase’s senior portrait. Chase recieved a journalism award this past year for a news analysis from Michigan Interscholastic Press Assossication.
Balancing Act By Hannah Julian School activities can be fun but it takes a lot of work! Rachel Bouchey ‘15 knows this to be true. Rachel is in Band and Marching Band, trying to have a life and get good grades. “Occasionally one grade might slip,” Rachel said. Her grades may occasionally slip and her parents watch out for that. ‘’If they do, she’s out. We try to maintain a B. If she was C’s and D’s all the time, it would be no more Band or Marching Band,” Rachel’s dad Steve Bouchey said. Her grades have to be up because she loves doing both band and Marching Band. “I love them. They are both fun. I get to be with my friends, and play music,” Rachel said. She said she loves it even more that her family comes to support her. “I like it when my dad, my younger sister, my mom when she isn’t working, my uncle sometimes, and even my older brother and older sister when they can come support me,” Rachel said. People support her through her music in all ways even if it is letting her practice at any time. “She practices and plays at midnight for atleast two- three hours a day,” Britney Bouchey ‘16 said, Rachel’s sister, who does orcustra at the middle school. They sometimes get tired of her practicing all the time. “Sometimes, like when I’m playing a really hard part or if I’m practicing a part over and over,” Rachel said. They may get tired of her practicing, but they will never get tired of the concerts and games. “My parents enjoy them a lot,” Rachel said. They love her concerts and want
good grades. She also thinks her social life has worked out well. “I have meet a ton of friends that I meet through band and marching band!” Rachel said. With friends and practice, you still need sleep. “It’s hard sometimes. Sleep is definitely at the bottom of my list,” Rachel said. Sleep may have to remain a low priority for now, but she has made it out with people saying she can make it somewhere. “I think she could be a professional in rock band or symphony band or even band teacher,” Britney said She has put so much time into this music you would think that she has what she wants to do when she gets out of high school, but she is still unsure. “I am definitly concidering a career in music,” Rachel said.
Top: The marching band sitting on the bleachers getting their group photo for the yearbook. (Photo Credit: Odysssey Yearbook) Bottom:Rachel practices her piece for her band class on Saturday the eleventh of February in her house. She practiced so much because she wants to make music her life. Photo: Hannah Julian
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We Are
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Facing Page: Upper Left: Monica Hessler knocking out a gate during a race. Lower Left: Alexandra Northrup going through a hairpin. Upper Right: Alex Podges navigates down Thor at Crystal Mt. Middle Right: Amalie Skaanild melting snow Lower Right: Lili Lockwood, Monica Hessler, Scott Perry, Elle Rivard, and Amalie Skaanild at Marquette Mt. This page: Upper Left: Ben Friar leaving his mark Upper Middle: Lili Lockwood and Morgan Culp at Boyne Highlands Upper Right: Morgan Culp ripping down the hill Middle Left: Mary Mikko Lili Lockwood, and Monica Hessler at Marquette Mt. Awards Middle Right: Ryan Ness at top speed Lower Right: Scott Perry skiing Slalom
Alpine Ski Team
Catching the dream by Bryce Newcomb
Logan Hisem ’14 has spring fever. But Logan’s vision stretches far beyond spring sports and JV baseball, to college and medical school to become a doctor and work to cure cancer. Logan got a shot to practice with a former World Series winner. Doug Mirabelli played on the 2004 World Series winning Boston Red Sox, and has trained Logan. Now Logan is taking those skills to the baseball feild. But he’s also pushing his skills as a student. “I want to help people with cancer because I have had a number of people close to me have been so greatly affected by it. Cancer is something that affects everybody in the world, and I want to be part of the solution,” Logan said “It could take me my whole life. As long as I help with getting rid of this horrible disease I do not care. If I am helping, I am happy,” Logan said Logan sees himself attending medical school and then starting a family. Logan wants to go to the University of California at Santa Barbara for
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college or UCLA. After undergraduate school, he said he wants to attend Duke University for medical school. “I have looked all around for colleges but I want to go to a California college because I love the state,the weather and the atmosphere. I want to be able to get out of class and go relax on the beach or go for a swim not sit at home and sleep all day I want to still be active even after a long day of class,”Logan said. In the meantime, Logan’s goals remain that of a high school sophomore: to get good grades, enjoy his friends, and play a little baseball in the Northern Michigan sunshine. Top Right: Logan and a teammate discuss a professional game. Above: Logan runs to the dugout after making a play in the outfield. Right: Logan get ready to bat.
A Hero Is By: Jacob Sian
A hero is a word used loosely and abused, you don’t have to know them to look up to them, you just need to respect them. Tyler Porter ’15 has played soccer since he was four years old; inspired by both his father and his uncle. Tyler’s father played for North port High school team, however his brother (Tyler’s uncle) Played for his College team at Central Michigan University. “My uncle influenced me to play in collage.” Porter said. After saying that he looks up to multiple professional players he continued to say, “Pele; a three time world cup winner, in specific because he never let anything get in his way. I don’t care so much about the player as long as their good, but sometimes when there attitude
is bad its counter productive to the game.” Just like his father and uncle passed their passion for soccer
down to him, Porter stated that he will expose his children to as much of it as he can. “I’d like them to play but ultimately its there decision I cant force them to play.” Currently Porter plays for the Traverse City North Storm, “Its the best team you can be on in Traverse city. You have to have a pretty high skill level to play.” He said. He also plays on the JV team for west, and is hoping to improve enough to be on varsity next year. Porter plans to play for college, and if all dreams come true, on the United States Olympic soccer team.
Top right: Tyler Porter shows off his soccer skills in the TC West gym before school to pass the time. Bottom right: Tyler dribbling the ball before school in the gym to pass the time. Bottom Left: Porter and some freinds have a small game before first hour for fun.
We Are
West By:Alison McMinn
Sleeping Beauty cast and crew members performed by an audience of students, community members, and elementary students. The performance featured players such as Sabrina Brooks ‘14 and Ali Hoyle ‘13 (top middle), Robert Mampe ‘12 (bottom middle), and others.
Gaming The Night Away Like many other teenagers, Bryce Newcomb ’15 spends a portion of his free time on the couch playing one of the most popular video games of all time, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. However, to Bryce, it’s a little bit more than a hobby. “I’ve been into video games since I was a little kid. They are really just something that has always appealed to me,” he said. Bryce got his copy of the game for free after winning a tournament at Gamestop the night of release. “I was really scared because I didn’t know how good everyone else would be. I ended up doing alright.” Bryce is a member of the FaZe clan, one of the most respected clans in the gaming community. “I had to try out for the clan that I’m in. I’m sort of an average player in the clan. The tryout was really tough. There were 50 people trying out, and they were only taking 5 new members. They take it pretty seriously. They have a website and everything.” Video games aren’t some-
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thing that Bryce has to put a lot of work into to improve. “It’s kind of just something that comes naturally to me. I’ve always been pretty good at gaming,” Bryce said. Bryce also enjoys playing other games, for a break. “Sometimes I just need a break from playing Modern Warfare 3. I mean I really enjoy playing it, but sometimes it makes me really upset. I have an issue with rage quitting.” Of course, the possibility of making some money from gaming is always in the back of Bryce’s mind. “I’ve never really been in a tourna-
ment with a prize other than when I won my free copy at Gamestop. The clan that I’m in participates in tournaments, but they are just for fun and there isn’t any money or anything like that at stake. I could see myself entering a prize tournament sometime, but it would just be for fun. It’s not like I’m trying to make a career out of it.” As a huge Baltimore Ravens fan, Bryce also enjoys playing Madden NFL. “I’m pretty good at NFL 12 too. I only play as the Ravens. It’s like a marraige,” he said. Bryce also publishes a blog about his beloved Ravens. He puts his favorite football team above his love for video games. “If I had to choose between the Ravens winning the Super Bowl and myself winning $5,000 in a video game tournament, there would be no question in my head. I would choose the Ravens as Super Bowl champions.” Left: Bryce gets frustrated during one of his many late night gaming sessions. Bryce often dealt with sleepiness at school as a result of stying up gaming. Top: Bryce writes a new entry on his blog on the Baltimore Ravens.
Running
A Daring Escape
by:Libby Lowran
She was running, running because she was upset. The graffiti walls rose up around her as her feet hit the pavement. The walls flashed by and traffic honked next to her. She had to get away. Then she was lost. Lillian Klinetop ‘14, ran away from home when she was just seven-years-old. She was lost. In Detroit. One of the worst possible places to get lost. Of course she had her reasons. “I think it was just because I didn’t get my way or something, we couldn’t go to Cedar Point in Ohio.” Lillian said, “We were going to visit my aunt, who lives in Ohio, and we stopped in Detroit.” After what she had done, punishment was not unexpected. “When I got home we had to call the trip off.” Lillian said when she recalled her childhood adventure, “When I got home my parents pretty much wanted to kill me.” Everyone has seen the little kids with the leashes on, Lillian had to be one of those children. “They had my on one of those kiddy leashes after that. Literally, with a little back pack and everything.” she said, “I know it was like a monkey, probably white and brown.” Many people who run away from home or their parents have some sort of advice or wisdom to share after they go on a new adventure. Lillian was willing to share some of her wisdom. “Definitely when things don’t go your way, then just get over it and go on with your life instead of getting mad and holding a grudge with your parents,” she said. “Eventually, if you hold that grudge long enough, something bad will happen, like me running away,” she said after she reflected on her actions. Lillian said that she would not do that again if she could go back in time. The reaction from her parents was not something she would want to go through again, especially since Detroit is so much different from Traverse City. “There’s the traffic part, yes, and with the urbanization,” Lillian said “Traverse City is so woodsy, like let’s go hunting in my back yard.” The difference between Traverse City and Detroit is pretty big, just like the difference between running away and hiding out in a tent in the back yard. The Klinetop family often returns to Detroit about twice per month for medical appointments for Lillian. When they travel downstate, the Klinetops’ stay in their apartment in a safer part of Detroit. There is very little violence and has very good security.
Traverse City and Detroit may be different, and culture shock may have an effect, but there will always be a place that gives the feeling of safety. Even in Detroit. Top Photo: Lillian Klinetop ‘14 visits parks in TC when the sun is out. Fresh air and sunshine are all essential to Lillian’s life. Bottom Photo: Summers in Traverse City are usually spent laying on the beach with her family like her dad (right). Lillian said that Detriot dosen’t allow the same kind of natural beaurty as Traverse City does in the summer time.
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Divorce Is
Hard Fifty percent of marriages in America end in a divorce, and about 1.1 million children have gone through at least one divorce. Divorce is hard. Shelby Planondon ‘15 knows this all too well for her age. Shelby’s parents got divorced when she was two, and it took a big toll on her and on her siblings. She has a brother, Kile Planondon ‘13 and a twin sister, Hilary Planondon ‘15, but it has effected Shelby more then most. “I’ve also kinda made some bad choices in a way,” Shelby said. The divorce had had a big influence on her life and takes a toll everyday. One of the things she remembers most from her childhood is that her parents fought a lot. Shelby said her mother wasn’t always around. “I spent most my life in daycare,” she said. “ My parents hate each other,” said Shelby really quick. Her parents try to get along because of their three kids, but Shelby said that it is obvious they they are just putting up a front. She said that her parents relationship had been this way since childhood. Not only has the divorce been tough, but then there have been the custody bat-
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tles between her parents. “I finally got 50-50 with my mom and dad, and I’ve been working for that with my sister all my life. Now it’s all switched up and all confusing,” Shelby said. Being thrown out of her mom’s house has upended her life even more. Shelby said she did not know why she was kicked out. “I’m not really sure. She just got really irritated with me, and said I had to go live with my dad,” Shelby said. Things are mixed up but the one person that she will always have is her dad. “ My dad is just very reasonable, and I can talk to him about certain things. He doesn’t yell or scream at me. He just talks to me,” explains Shelby. “Like when I got my nose piercing he just talked to me, when my mom started yelling and stuff.” Although like most girls, her dad doesn’t know everything. Shelby’s mom is remarried now, and her step-dad is okay. They eventually adopted a boy who is two. “He is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Shelby says about her brother. “It just bothers me that he’s gonna have a happier growing up childhood than I did,” said Shelby.
Her father has also remarried. “They have been married for like 11 years now,” Shelby said. Even though her dad is remarried, She thinks of Wendy, her step-mom, almost as her mother. “She treats me better then my mom. She always has,” Shelby said. Shelby said that she needs positive things to keep her on track. Her biggest dream is to become a director, so she focuses on that. When ever she is really emotional, she writes it down in hopes to turn it into something good. She also has her music. Everything from Country to Rock, as long as it’s not Jazz or Blues. It defines her. It lets her drown out her
life and just get lost in the lyrics. Reading also helps her. She can put herself into the character of a fantasy and fiction books because she likes those the best.
A Working
Relationship Compass Staff
You might think that getting good grades is the only thing that really leads to finding a good career or a good job. You are mistaken. Teachers have a huge effect on students and their learning abilities. A teacher must be good at teaching to help students and their goals in life, but the relationships between students and teachers are also crucial. Assistant Principal Dan Oberski said that the relationships between the students and teachers here at West are very good. “Teachers and students spend a lot of time together, so I think it’s important for us to gain a good relationship because we see each other almost every day. We’re working with each other, and if we have to spend hours sitting in a classroom listening to one another, it would be most convenient,” Oberski said. Statistics show that teachers spend 50 or more hours a week on their teaching duties such as grading pa-
pers, bus duties, after school activity’s, phone calls and more. “If I like a teacher better then another or I get along with one pretty well, I tend to do better in their class because their opinion matters to me. I consider them as a peer or person I can talk too. I can relate to them in some way. They are almost like a friend,” Madison Machuta ‘15 said. Throughout the teen years, students always have that one teacher they remember most. “The one teacher that really influenced me the most would be Mr. Rintala. He is extremely chill about things and is really nice. We joke around a lot and he tends to excuse my tardies which would be quite often. All in all, he is a great teacher and I hope I have him again next trimester,” Hilary Plamondon ‘15 said. When students have teachers they generally like, the more they will look forward to school and the more they will try their best grade wise in that class.
“Just enjoy high school as much as possible, make friends and get on the good side of teachers. Its a benefit” Hilary said.
Top: Trish Hackett, one of the kitchen staff keeps the lunch line moving. Hackett is known for memorizing the ID numbers of students and for her friendly interaction with everyone. Above: Assistant Principal
Dan Oberski discusses a matter with Tyler Porter. Photo: Compass Staff
Lets Go Lets Fight, Green, Gold, and White
Cheerleading is one of the many support teams that we have at our school to “pump up the team spirit” for our sports. For some people, its a sport. For others, its a fun way to gather with friends and show your school spirit cheering on fellow member of our school. For one girl in particular it is a long term cheerleader Kayla O’shaughnessy. “My friends would describe me as loud, flexible, and fun to be around” says Kayla, the long term cheerleader explains. The typical day in Kayla O’shaughnessy’s life consists of waking up at 5:30 in the morning, waking up her brother, then going to school, going to cheerleading practice, then going home to hang out with her brother some more. Her and her brother usually just hang out with each other and watch T.V, “i like to think of him as my friend”, she says. What is cheerleading like? Well Kayla helps us understand by walking us through what cheerleading practice is like. She explain how they do a lot of hard work, but they start out with warming up which consists of stretching out, running, doing jumps and stunts, then practice their cheer and dance routines and practicing their voice exercises and contributing to new ideas. We asked Kayla who was her role model because this young girl has so many big dreams. Kayla says that her role model is Jordan Langley because she is outgoing and she really strives for the best and puts her all in the work she does, and she really wants wants the best out of life, “i wish i could be just like her”, says Kayla. We asked Kayla what her biggest challenge is when it comes to cheerleading, and Kayla explained how competition season is definitely her weakness. It just really tests her knowledge of everything she learned during cheer practice, and you really have to be on top of your game and know what your doing. Also, learning all the motions are really hard to get down. As you can tell, for some people cheerleading really doesn’t mean all that much to them, but to Kayla it means everything to her. She eats, breaths, and lives cheerleading and that is what makes her the fabulous dedicated cheerleader she
ThSixth e Man
Logan Hisem
You see it all the time in college sports. A team energized by a rowdy crowd. High school sports are no different. John Linenger ’14 knows all about an energetic crowd. He was a part of the student section last year. This year he’s part of the Traverse City West hockey team as a sophomore. “A crazy crowd really just makes it a lot easier to just get up and get pumped for the games.” Linenger definitely agrees that home ice advantage is a big deal. Luke Piotrowski ’13 is also new to the hockey team this year. “Playing at home is always a lot better for us than being on the road. It’s like the energy from the fans is transferred to us. It really helps our play.” Luke awknowledges the difference between playing at home vs playing on the road. “Travelling to rinks away from home takes away from our energy level. I think it’s a lot easier to play at our own rink with our own crowd.“ Piotrowski also thinks that West has some of the most passionate, and crazy fans in the Big North Conference. “I think that we have one of the better student sections in the conference, and that really adds to our energy level.” Will Hanrahan ’12 has been on the team for three years. As one of the few seniors on the team, he is looked up to by the, especially with his role as captain. “You can really tell a difference in the younger guys when we’re playing at home. It’s like they’re running on
pure adrenaline.” Another new player on the team, Jake Saxton ‘15 notes the opposite effects when playing away games. “It can be pretty intimidating when you go out there and you see a hundred screaming kids doing everything that they can to distract you.” Whether playing at home or on the road, the Titans agree that the crowd does in fact have an effect on the game. That being said, Piotrowski has one last message for you all. “Get there, and get loud!”
Above: The Titan hockey team lines up for their introduction before a conference clash with Alpena. Below: The Titans get fired up prior to their rivalry game agaisnt Central. Right: Collin Peters (7) and Luke Piotrowski (4) celebrate a goal with their teamates.
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We Are By:Libby Lowran
WEST
Top: Lukas Blaken-Esser plays tenor drums for the TC West Drumline. Bottom Left: Shaina Streeter plays basketball for the Titans. Number 15 ran down the court with the ball with the hopes of helping her team. Right: The flow of students and teachers exiting increases as school gets out at the end of the day.
Above: Warming up before the game, Kendric Meyer eyes the rim as he approaches for a layup. Top Left: Jacob Diss works on the First Robotics team project. The team competed during the weeend of March 9-10 at Traverse City Central High School. Middle Left: Taking a moment to prepare before her ballet performance, Sommer West reposes on a bench inside the Dennos Muesum. Sommer dances for the Dance Arts Academy in Traverse City. Bottom Left: As a guitarist for the jazz band, Katherine Larson keeps a close eye on the chord changes. The jazz band performed at the Central Michigan University Jazz Festival Weekend in February. Left: Students in sculpture recycled styrofoam packing materials to create new works of art. Robots like this one were on display in the Library Media Center. Photo Credits: Odyssey Staff.
we are west
by Bryce Newcomb
Opposite page: Top Left: The Titan dance team entertains the crowd during the JV West-Central basketball game. Top Right: The “Bleacher Creatures” cheer on the Titans boys basketball team. Bottom Left: The Titan Dance team performs for the halftime of the West-Central game. Bottom Right: Greame Placek dribbles past a central defender. This page: Top Left: Nate Kastor attempts a basket from near the three-point line.Top right: One of the Titan dance team members moves in line with her teammates. Left: The “Bleacher Creatures” performing the latest fad to sweep sports: Tebowing.