December

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DECEMBER EDITION

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I s s ue 3 / W i n te r E di t i o n

3 Word in the Halls 4-5 Editorial 6-7 Fine Arts 8-9 Entertainment 10-11 Around Town 12-15 @GHS 16-19 Sports 20-21 Holiday Photos 22 Black Hawks of the Month

what song is # onyour

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Junior DJ Underwood’s #1 song is “Round Here” by Counting Crows.

“The meaning behind the song is that people try and hide who they are to fit in, and there isn’t a reason for it. I just really respect the meaning behind that because I don’t like to see people trying to be anything other than who they are” said Underwood.

Senior Marlaina Perelshtein’s most played song is “Chocolate” by the 1975.

“It was my summer go to and brings back good memories whenever I listen to it.”

Biology teacher, Mrs. Schreiner’s number one played song is “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark” by Fall Out Boy. “Everytime I start a half marathon, when the gun goes off, that’s the first song I listen to. I find it very motivating.”

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“Asking Me Lies” by: The Replacements Mr. Gajewski “Cool Kids” by: Echosmith Katie Boyer “Bricks” by: Migos Charlie Cherella “Move” by: Little Mix Riley Luettgen “Sugar We’re Going Down” by: Fall Out Boy Jimmy Cooper “Love Away” by: Capital Cities Grace Aspenson

Junior Bailey Colber commented on his most popularily played song saying, “Kesha is honestly probably the best artist I’ve ever heard in my life.”

Freshman Hannah Wendorf shared why her number one song is “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” by Sia from the newly remade production of Annie. “I like the song because it’s just uplifting to listen to considering some of the other songs that are popular today. It’s also just realistic, meaning you really aren’t complete without a smile. Nobody likes a grouch.”

Sophomore Maria Olson’s favorite song is “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy. “Fall Out Boy has been my favorite band ever since I went to see them in concert. The song recently came out and I’ve liked it ever since I first heard it.”

Junior Michael Rathke’s number one song is “Like Whoa” by Aly and AJ. Rathke explained, “I listen to Aly and AJ because first off, they get my excitement going when I listen to them. Whenever it comes on I get that cheery feeling. Second off, it’s kind of a song that was played in the old tv shows so it reminds me of my past. So really together when I listen to the song, I use the excitement from my past experiences to influence what I’m doing now and bring my current passion to life through what I’ve learned.”

“Blank Space” by: Taylor Swift Katie Hunt “Just What I Am” by: Kid Cudi Michael McKelvey

Sophomore Matt Silasiri’s most played song is “Money Baby” by K Camp. “I think it’s just a catchy song. Plus it’s not played on the radio much so it doesn’t get old.”

Junior Rachel Balistrieri’s most commonly played song is “Pompeii”

by Bastille. “I think it’s a very fun and upbeat song. It was my favorite song to sing to in my car this summer.”

word in the halls

Worth?

Is it worth four more years?

A typical GHS student spends four years of his or her life in high school— three and a half if they’re ambitious. They get up every morning ready to learn, because if they’re not, ominous threats of failing tests, and perhaps even worse- not getting into the desired college— hang heavy. They better perform in high school, or getting into that desired college, and paying those hefty tuition fees, are just aspirations.

More and more high school grads are awakening to frightening statistics that getting a college degree is not a job guarantee. Some of these students are choosing to wade into the depths of the uncertain workforce without a degree, knowing that even if they might not be as educated, they at least will not have to worry over college debt. With the overcrowded job market, filled with experienced adults, getting a job relevant to the degree they hypothetically paid for is becoming more rare. And they see college goers slaveing for another four years, racking up crippling sums of student debt only to working minimum wage jobs and be moving back in with their parents. Not exactly the American dream.

Thankfully, there are alternatives. Some of the more skill—based jobs, such as construction and automotives, are thriving in this economy, with many of the current holders of those careers looking to retire. This is creating a great divide in the workforce; employers are desperate to acquire young adults with these skills, but instead they find naive, indebted, desperate young adults with zero experience. Not much value to a potential employer.

Some of these employers are so desperate to find suitors that they are even willing to do a special bargain— an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship gives high school grads the unique opportunity to earn as they learn, or so their mnemonic device states. Unlike college, the employer pays the student to learn, completely debt free— all costs covered by the employer.

And these aren’t minimum wage, grueling jobs either, most of these careers start above 60k a year after they complete their paid training program, some of which easily earn three figures.

Story By Robert Bergman

Another alternative for some bent on getting the college degree is the military. The idea of having a highly respectable, well—paying job that allows world travel on top of completely paid tuition is becoming rather attractive to young adults. This is not your parents military either, brandishing bayonets and hand grenades, rather upwards of ninety percent of all military jobs today are non—combat supporting roles.

Contrary to pop culture, it’s more likely that Rambo was a HR specialist and G.I. Joe was an aviation systems repair mechanic.

“Ultimately future concerns may take a backseat to outside influences, aspirations, and the hyperinflation of education.”

Of course, there are always non—traditional schools too. The number of students attending technical colleges, or similar education alternatives is on the rise. Programs like nursing and law enforcement have seen record—breaking numbers of students enrolled.

The advantage these schools bring is much lower tuition, as well as a much shorter time commitment, which will allow graduates to start careers much earlier.

Ultimately future concerns may take a backseat to outside influences, aspirations, and the hyperinflation of education. Some however are seeking a route out of that circuit, denying old paradigms and precedents. This is important because it may very well be these thinkers and do-ers that America looks to for economic stability, a renewal of manufacturing, and restoration of the American dream.

How far would you go to return a found item?

Theft...

Story By Emily Welsh

There are many different scenarios that can be questioned as to whether an action is ethical or not.

Finding someone elses possession and proceeding to use it for personal gain is wrong. Using money one has found that does not belong to him or her is considered stealing. One should turn in a larger amount if he or she comes across it, but most people would not turn in a single dollar bill and go through the trouble finding its owner, even when it is considered theft.

On the other hand, if it is a larger amount, the chances of the rightful owner searching for it is higher,

therefore one should take the time to do the right thing and return it. The most ethical thing to do when put in a similar situation would be to attempt to find the owner, because using an object for personal benefit when it was not purchased or earned by one’s self is dishonest. Due to the fact that is is not his or her money, it should not be theirs to spend.

Or Luck?

Story By Alexis Sutherland

The definition of theft becomes altered once one is put in a situation where he or she, or someone they

know, is sitting in the seat of accusation. To willingly take another individual’s property without permission or legal right, and without intending to return the item, is the most accurate definition of stealing. But what happens when there is an object on the ground with no owner around looking to claim it, are finders really keepers?

The commodity is obviously unattached from its rightful owner, therefore it belongs to no one and

is up for grabs. The finder has no intention of purposely trying to cause complication for the individual who has misplaced the item; so a conviction of theft would be poorly accused. No one is to blame for the object’s separation from its appropriate owner, except for the one who lost it in the first place. This would not be stealing considering the fact that the item, once it has been misplaced, has no definitive owner.

Do You Wanna Build a Snowband?

As winter break came around the corner, the band members prepared for their winter band concert on December 7.

The GHS Bands presented “On a FROZEN Winter’s Night…” The main focus of the show was to emphasize the featured string of songs from the 2013 hit movie “Disney’s FROZEN.” One of the songs played by the Hand Drumming Ensemble was “Drumming All The Way.” The Jazz Combo performed “Angels We Have Heard On High.”

The Jazz Ensemble followed with their arrangement of “The Christmas Song.” Following the fifteen minute intermission the Concert Band played “Flourish,” “Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol,” “Patapan,” and some symphonic highlights from FROZEN.

By: Katherine Bordetskaya

Junior Evan Bernd, who plays Trombone, said, “It was fun hearing the songs come to life.” The band strives to make their musical renditions the closest they can to the originals.

Being the first show of the year, freshman Gretchen Geiser said, “It’s way more independent and new band members are able to pick up on the content quicker because it’s more serious.” This way, students are able to practice what they need for any more upcoming shows. Freshman Allyssah Lanza said, “Everyone who is here, wants to be here in band.”

Awards for Creativity

By Brenna Kiehnau

Ziehr’s award winning photo “Erik in the Sky With Diamonds.”

Michalowski’s award winning photo was showcased in an Architectural Exhibition.

Two GHS artists have been recognized for their photography talents on the national level.

Senior Hailee Ziehr entered the 34th Annual Spring Photography Contest presented by Photographer’s Forum magazine, co-sponsored by Sigma. Photographer’s Forum magazine is an award-winning, yearly publication dedicated to quality photographers in the United States and Canada. Each issue gives the experience of publication to emerging professionals.

10,000 photographs were submitted by amateur photographers from the United States and Canada, as well as 63 other countries worldwide. Neil Campbell, the photo editor, selected the top 14% of the entered photos to be in the Finalist group, Ziehr was one of them.

Her photograph was then published in the book Best of Photography 2014.

Zieher said, “I did it on a whim and it was a total shock! It made me very humble because I was scared to put my workout there because I don’t know if I will ever produce something that good again, but it felt amazing to know that someone appreciated it and thinks it’s just as special as I do.”

Art teacher Marcia Gorra-Patek entered one of Morgan’s photos into the PSA contest, and they chose her piece. Junior Morgan Michalowski received the grand prize of Architecture Category of the Youth Photography showcase exhibition in New Mexico at the 2014 PSA International Conference where her photo was featured. She wanted to show the side of art that is rarely seen.

Michalowski stated, “the beauty in things is not always noticed.” These two students represent GHS in a positive light. They want to encourage others to see what is not seen by the naked eye, which art portrays.

Christmas Carols

By Brandon Schmidt

This past weekend the winter choral concert took place and put attendees in the Christmas spirit.

Freshman Gretchen Geiser premiered her tenor vocals for the first time as a soloist. “Male voices are generally lower than female, so when I am able to sing lower than some of the guys, it strikes people as odd. It’s not common to have a tenor who is female, a freshman, and only 5 foot 3 inches tall,” Geiser stated. These facts make her a unique singer, and she rocked her solo in “100 Years” arranged by sophomores Hailey and Abbey Monreal.

The Chambers Singers, a group that carols around Grafton and neighboring cities, also performed their line up of “Away In A Manger”, “Jingle Bells”, “Dance Of The Sugarplum Fairies.”

Graftonics, the main a capella group, and Chambers are extracurricular choirs. “It’s a lot of

work, but we are like a dysfunctional family,” Sophomore Brianna Luettgen said. “We all practice around six hours a week after school.”

The singers took three days out of their weeks, beginning of the year to present, to learn all these songs and make them sound magical just in time for the holidays. The choirs rehearsed their pieces for two months prior to the concert.

Some of the seniors got sentimental due to this being one of their last concerts. Senior Rachel Weidner said, “I am going to miss this next year, I try not to think about it though too much because I want to enjoy the moment.”

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4. Seniors pose for a last Winter Concert photo. Zach Ryan, Kirai Kozak, Aaron Roesselet, Taylor Brace, Brandon Schmidt, Keely Lipke, Maddie Waskiewicz, Riley Luettgen, Brandon Ashley, Sofie Green, Rachel Weidner, and Nick Pavelic.

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1. Camerata, the all women’s choir stand semi-circle to hear each other as they sing without a conductor. The group has worked towards singing without a conductor all year. Junior Rachel Balistrieri stated, “We have wanted to sing without a conductor for a while now to show how much work we put in to sounding good.”

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2. Riley Luettgen and Amanda Draheim, the choral accompianists, play the duet “Gloria” for Camerata.

Luettgen said, “I like that Amanda gave me the harder part, even thought she is my teacher and is more expierenced than me.”

3. The chambers singers this year include freshman through seniors. This performance was one of their last for the winter. Aaron Roesselet, a senior, led the choir with the pitch pipe to start with the right note.

Top Ten Books for Teens 1. Harry Potter Series By: JK Rowling 2. Hunger Games Series By: Suzanne Collins 3. To Kill A Mockingbird By: Harper Lee 4. The Fault in Our Stars By: John Green 5. The Hobbit By: J.R.R Tolkien 6. Catcher in the Rye By: J.D Salinger

7. Lord of the Rings By: J. R.R Tolkien 8. Fahrenheit 451 By: Ray Bradbury 9. Looking For Alaska By: John Green 10. The Book Thief By: Markuz Zusak

Take Me To The Top

Story by Sofie Green

Since indie musician Andrew Hozier’s breakthrough single Take Me To Church surfaced in the US, he’s gained momentum on the radio and even sold out his first headlining show in Milwaukee. His latest self-titled album was released September 19th, 2014, which included 5 singles, some being songs from his previous EPs.

If you need an album to listen to while curling up in a blanket next to the fire place, look no further. His bluesy, soulful sound puts you at ease instantly. Between rolling guitar riffs and soft percussion, it’s perfect for a walk in the snow or background music for studying for those finals that are coming up (yikes…). While Take Me to Church is an obviously powerful and hard-hitting piece, comparing his lover to a God as he touches on references of religion, it is contrasted with equally powerful and soothing songs like Work Song, highlighting on down-to-earth lyrics about life and death and polyphonic texture.

The song It Will Come Back features slide guitars and violins, stylistically reminiscent of blues artists such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Willie Nelson.

Before he was an independent musician, Hozier began schooling at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and was involved in their Orchestra, touring and performing internationally. He was a featured soloist on their 2012 album Illumination.

He dropped out halfway through his freshman year at the school and began his solo career recording music with Universal Music. In 2014, he was a nominee for the MTV Music Awards, with Take Me to Church nominated for Best Song with a Social Message.

Upcoming Shows The Pabst/Riverside/Turner HallDec 29th, 30th, 31st-Jim Gaffigan Jan 16th-Phox Jan 19th-Jukebox the Ghost Feb 1st-Cold War Kids

The RaveJan 17th-Wale Jan 30th-Survive Paint Wars Jan 31st-Logic Bradley CenterFeb 28th-Ariana Grande

Opposites Attract

Two Misfits. One extraordinary love. Eleanor & Park is a book that will be read throughout time. The story follows two star-crossed lovers. Author Rainbow Rowell shows the truth about life, and difficult decisions that people have to make.

Eleanor is an intelligent 16-year old with bright red hair, and an unconventional fashion sense. She’s just returned to her home in Omaha, after being kicked out for a year and forced to stay with distant family relatives. Eleanor’s step-father Richie is verbally abusive towards her, and continually causes her stress both at home and at school.

Park is also 16; he’s half-Korean and passably popular, but separated from the larger population of his school both by his race and by his love for comic books and good music.

Story by Natalie Nowak

On the first day of school, Eleanor sits down next to Park on the bus. Over time, she starts reading his comics over his shoulders; Park eventually starts to talk to her, even though he’s ridiculed for the friendship. Their relationship builds and they become inseparable, making each other mixed tapes and reading Park’s comics.

However, whenever Eleanor returns home she purposely stays out of the way of her step father, Richie. At first Park’s parents don’t approve of Eleanors strange ways, but they grow to understand her hardships at her home. After school she often retreats to Park’s home where she talks to his understanding parents.

Eventually things break out at Eleanor’s home and this is when Eleanor and Park’s relationship is put to the test.

Is the Elf on Your Shelf?

Story by Morgan Weisflog

During this time of year, many families love to sit down together, fireplace burning, a bowl of popcorn in their laps, and enjoy a heart-warming, joyful Christmas movie.

One popular Christmas movie is Elf, starring Will Farrell. The movie follows Buddy, an orphan who snuck into Santa’s sack and was brought to the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to travel to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs, who also happens to be on the naughty list and on top of it, has no idea Buddy even exists. With Walter’s nose stuck in his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities now that Buddy came into his life. Buddy experiences the human culture and falls in love with a smart, down to earth, young women who shows no interest in the Christmas spirit.

Elf happens to be one of those rare Christmas comedies that has a heart, a brain, and a wicked sense of humor that charms everyone.

A memorable scene is when Buddy gets into a fist fight due to his actions of snatching and removing “Santa’s” beard in front of all the kids. “You smell like beef and cheese, you don’t smell like Santa,” states Buddy.

Buddy is the type of character who is absolutely clueless and lacks exposure to the real world, but he is an innocent man who has a warm heart. He doesn’t realize that his actions are out of the ordinary. For example, Buddy and his step-brother, Michael, chop down their own christmas tree from a public park. Cramming it into their tiny apartment, the tree didn’t quite squeeze.

This movie will turn your day around. Elf is the type of movie that makes you feel happy and thankful for the friends and family in your life.

Christmas is a joyful time and has that special effect on everyone. Buddy has that special effect on each and every one of the characters in the movie. It’s impossible to spread cheer when the people have lost the Christmas spirit.

Buddy continues to look at the positive sides of people and accept them for who they are.

With Christmas around the corner, everyone is busy buying their friends and family presents, but if you get a moment sit down and relax and spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.

Here’s the Dish This month’s restaurant reviews: Rosati’s and Out & Out Story by Kaitlyn Larson

Rosati’s is new to Grafton’s food scene. It is located in the building that formerly housed Pizza Hut at 1955 Wisconsin Ave. The owners of Rosati’s worked on renovations for a few months to prepare for the unanticipated blitz they faced during their opening weeks in the fall.

The restaurant has a quiet and relaxed setting if you beat the dinner rush, but once the dinner hour hits the dining room is slightly overpacked. Friendly servers make the experience itself worth the wait though.

Rosati’s is famous for their Chicago style pizza and buttery-garlic dough nuggets served as an appetizer. They offer a variety of traditional italian dishes as well. They

are open 11am-9pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 11am-10pm Thursday through Saturday.

The fettuccini alfredo is exceptional and is what you expect to have at an italian restaurant.The fettuccini is warm and comforting with a side of garlic bread that compliments the main dish.

The only downside to our visit is that the dough nuggets were served minutes before the main dish.

Specialty pizzas range from $16-$26 and main dishes start at $7-$10. Rosati’s offers delivery, pick-up or sit-down. These features have drawn more attraction to the restaurant.

It’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss out on.

Story by Maureen Tomashek

Out & Out was founded back in 2006 on the lot where Dairy Queen once stood in Cedarburg. This restaurant was originally a carryout restaurant that is very popular during the spring and summer months.

Last year, the owners of Out & Out, Eric and Jackie Fix, decided their old facility was too small.

With a new building, the restaurant has a new rustic, homey feel to it, matching their comfort food menu. With meals ranging from only $5 to $12, Out & Out is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat for lunch, or even a nice dinner out.

Their menu consists of salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, and the ever so popular Twisted Wisconsin Mac. They also do catering, ranging from small party platters to full-service catering for big events.

The food is served in a timely matter and creates a delightful meal. The portion sizes are perfect; they don’t serve you too much that you’re over-stuffed, but they don’t serve so little that they leave you craving more. The original Twisted Wisconsin Mac has the perfect amount of cheese to noodle ratio, and the Chicken Bacon Ranch wrap is delicious and perfect on-the-go.

Growing Grafton Story by Taylor Arnold

Graton started as a town consisting of mostly farm fields and convenience stores. As of 2014, Grafton’s population is 11,457. Since 2000, the population has grown 5.04 percent. Along with the population growth, new businesses have sprung up all over town. Over the last decade Grafton built a hospital, four banks, numerous chain stores and restaurants, family owned businesses, new strip malls, and several subdivisions.

In the upcoming months, Grafton will continue to supply more job and retail opportunities. East of Port Washington Road and south of Home Depot, a brand new Meijer’s supermarket has already started construction. Also, there is a strip mall consisting of Ulta, Pier 1 Imports, and Men’s Wearhouse being built on Port Washington road near the Costco.

One would think that the new incoming businesses would cause competition with the like businesses, but Jessica Wolf, Director of Planning and Development for the Village of Grafton, has a different take on it. “I think that Meijer’s is a great addition to the I-43 area that will provide opportunities for local

residents as well as bring in shoppers and visitors from outside Grafton who will probably shop at our other stores. The Village is committed to supporting all of our commercial areas and continuing the responsible growth of the community,” said Wolf.

On the other side of town there is also many exciting plans in store. Wolf stated that, “the Village is also working on a new mixed use project downtown at the Lumberyard site southeast of the intersection of Beech Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The project is still in the planning stages, but we want it to have a mix of apartments, retail, restaurants, and services.

Construction is planned for mid 2015.”

This new construction has an impact on all people living here, including students at Grafton High School. Senior Kaleigh Wallock said, “I think that all the new businesses will make Grafton more of a destination and I think they will bring in a lot of new people. It is crazy how much our small town has grown since I’ve lived here.” Grafton is continuing to grow and provide more and more opportunities for our community.

March Story by Haley Bikman

for Good Health

prematurity, and overall infant On Tuesday, November mortality.

25 the GHS Future Business This is the cause that Grafton is Leaders of America and Child familiar with supporting, but originally Development classes participated in the March of Dimes was created in the March of Dimes Miracle Minute.

This yearly fundraiser brought in $396 1938 for polio. President Franklin Roosevelt created this organization dollars for the March of Dimes. after he personally struggled with polio “FBLA has helped out March of for years. The funds raised went into Dimes for nearly 40 years raising over research which eventually led to the $15 million to help premature babies,” discovery of the vaccine which ended said Emily Eichhorn, FBLA Vice the polio epidemic in the United President. “I believe if our school had States. After the epidemic ended the a better understanding about what March of Dimes is and who it helps people would be more Photo by Rachael Place willing to donate money to help out.”

Even though GHS supports the March of Dimes, many students are unaware of where their change and money goes.

The Miracle Minute helps raise money and awareness to prevent birth defects,

March of Dimes organization changed direction and directed their focus to the half a million babies each year that are born prematurely.

“Even though we aren’t raising thousands of dollars, when we add our profits with other local schools it starts to add up,” said Eichhorn.

Even though the amount raised was nominal compared to a national scale, students still feel good about their contributions.

“When I donated my money I thought of the people it would be going to and the difference any amount of money could make in their lives,” said Autumn Haebig The money that GHS helped raise for the March for Dimes funds important research and

programs that help babies begin healthy lives.

Grafton Goes Toy Crazy Story by Danielle Lemke For one week a year GHS students help out with the Kapco’s Kids2Kids Toy Drive. The campaign collects toys for the less fortunate, providing gifts for kids that might not get one this holiday season. This year GHS set a goal of 300 toys for donation. We joyously over shot that goal by 107 toys with a grand total of 407 toys.

Robert Geiger told all his classes that, “I am not afraid to beg for a good cause.” As passed around a bucket for donations. Toy donations were not the only way to help out; Leo club helped raise money to buy toys. Grafton raised $804 that was enough to buy 119 toys for the cause.

For every donation of toys the student who donated got a raffle ticket that they could turn into the office to get the chance for a prize at the end of the week. For every student who donated, in one way or another, helped make a child’s christmas a little more magical.

Photos by Danielle Lemke

It’s Story Time

Every year Mrs. Stielow’s Child Development class puts on a play school, a time for high schoolers that aspire to work with kids in their future to make up lesson plans for kids from 3 to 5 years old. The high schoolers enjoy getting the chance to play “teacher” for a week. “I loved it, my favorite experience was sitting with the kids at snack time and just listening to them, they were hilarious,” said Mykayla Silva, who was a part of the group “Zoo Animals”.

The class is split into four different groups. This year the themes were: Holidays, Zoo Animals, Colors, and Under the Sea. When the students aren’t working with the kids they have the chance to go down to the elemen-

tary school to help the teachers with anything they might need such as reading to the kids and helping with their a,b,c’s. Junior Whitney Marshall said, “It’s a nice chance to get even more handson experiences with the guidance of an actual elementary school teacher.”

Stielow was excited to share new things coming next year, “There will be a possibility of receiving six credits, three for each semester class for MATC. These credits can eventually be transferred to a four year college after receiving an Associate Degree from MATC.”

Fad:

noun an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object’s qualities; a

craze.

2014, like all years, has had its fair share of “fads.” From boots, to the iPhone six, and The Walking Dead, there has been intense enthusiasm for the strangest, and most addicting, of things.

Story by Megan Otto

Technology is an ever changing aspect of our lives, and this year there were many new apps and devices out to entertain us. During the summer, Kim Kardashian released her app “Kim K Hollywood,” where players get the chance to live like Kim in a world of her creation.

The latest craze to consume the time of many students is the app “Trivia Crack.”

Who would believe that high school students would rush to finish their tests and quizzes only to pull out their phones and challenge themselves, and others, with some trivia madness?

whether this word is used “Bae” to address a significant other or with the meaning of “before anyone else,” the use of the word “bae” this year spiraled out of control.

The always present fashion accessory this year? The backpack. In the halls it is a rare sight to see a student without a backpack.

Juniors Nicole Auchter and Rachel Balistreri sport matching Jansports.

Sophomore Alan Olivas is stumped with a difficult Trivia Crack question.

Crop tops, leggings, and boots: essential items of clothing found in any girl’s closet this year.

Guys got in on the fashion craze as well, sporting flannel shirts and boat shoes like seniors Bryce Fisk and Joseph Fugate.

Planning on going to the mall this weekend to fulfill your wants? Why wait? Online shopping has become the latest trend to quickly and easily find exactly what you are looking for.

Intent on finishing their Christmas shopping, seniors Kate Lennon and Emily Knott spend a portion of their study hall to get some online shopping done.

Madden NFL came out with a mobile version for the avid football fan to play on the go.

Juniors Luke Benzschawel and Christopher Holdway are fixated with their Madden mobile games.

“It’s my favorite thing to do in my downtime during class,” said Holdway.

Over the summer, one of the biggest “fads” was the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Celebrities, students, and teachers alike got involved in this fun --and cold-- activity to support the cause.

The Grafton Dance Team got in on the fun after a summer practice.

2015

A NEW

YEAR

People around the world have been celebrating the New Year for as long as can be remembered. For many, New Year celebrations begin on December 31st and continue into the early hours of January 1st. The New Year is a time to celebrate as well as a time to reminisce on the events of the past year.

A large part of ringing in the New Year is making New Year’s resolutions or personal self-sustained goals. Whether they are simple goals such as trying a new food or as strenuous as losing weight, creating New Year’s resolutions are a fun way to kick start the year.

Story and photos by Rachael Place

Emily Priddy Kaya Schanen

Marci Klugiewicz

Jimmy Otworth

Rachel Ruona

Ian Bould

Katie Fischer Alan Olivas Cassie Kraemer

HERE’S TO

Nothing But Net

Story by Jimmy Otworth

Upcoming Games...

Saturday, December 27th Varsity vs. Waukesha North at 1:45pm Monday, December 29th Varsity vs Green Bay East at 6:30pm Saturday, January 3rd Varsity @ Plymouth at 1:30pm

As the season unfolds, the Girls Basketball Team is setting out to have an unforgettable year. After dominating West Allis Central, their opening night opponent, 66-35, the girls set a good tone going forward and look to finish out this year strong.

“It was a great way to open our season and get a feel for the team we are going to be,” said senior Kayla Borden.

Now eight games into the season, the girls are 6-2. There are five sophomores on Varsity along with two juniors and three seniors. The veteran girls help out their new teammates as much as possible by getting them ready for the up-oming

games. With a start like this, the girls look to keep moving forward.

“During our five wins this season the girls showed a lot of potential. The two losses were against very strong teams and although they highlighted some of our weaknesses, they did show us that we can compete with teams like Germantown.

We were right in that game the first half. The goal now is to keep building on our wins and compete for the entire 32 minutes,” said Assistant Coach Ashley Glocke.

With sixteen games left, the Black Hawks look to finish strong.

Zero to One Hundred

Story by Seth Herlinger

The Boys basketball team has started the season hot, winning their first four games against Cedar Grove-Belgium, South Milwaukee, Nicolet, and Mayville by more than 10 points.

“We just crushed those teams,” said shooting guard Brian Sternig. “The team is getting along really well and we are playing together.”

Even though they have lost their last two games to conference rivals Homestead and Whitefish Bay, the Black Hawks aren’t losing momentum.

“We competed which means a lot for Grafton,” said Sternig.

Keys to the Black Hawks’ success have been the strong play from their big men in the post.

“We have some great post players who have great vision and instincts, and they really help

Upcoming Games...

open it up for our shooters,” said small forward Brennen Streff.

The Black Hawks will look to make a run into the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.

The team is on pace to win +14 games this season, which would be Grafton’s best season in over a decade. The road ahead should be more difficult, and will really prove the strength of this team.

“I think we are performing well, we have had a better start to the season than there has been in a long time,” said Streff. “We just have to work on limiting mistakes and then we’ll be an extremely tough opponent for any team.”

Tuesdays, December 23rd Varsity @ DeForest at 7:30pm Tuesday, January 6th Varsity vs. Port Washigton at 7:30pm Tuesday, January 13th Varsity @ Brookfield East at 7:30pm

Diving into a New Season

Story by Gabby Kraus

The Boys Swim and Dive team has stumbled off the blocks this season, losing three close meets and taking 6th at the Nicolet Invite.

Prior to the slow start, the team had only lost two seniors from last year and gained three new teammates.

Junior Bailey Bodart said, “We are a very diverse team this year and can do well in many events, but our weakness is how small our team is in numbers with only 20 guys, and being in the North Shore Conference doesn’t help.”

The NSC is full of large swim teams.

For example Cedarburg, Homestead, and Germantown are all Division 1 schools in the conference, while Grafton is Division 2.

Going into dual meets against all of these D1 schools is tough because having less swimmers, Grafton has less opportunities to gain points.

Stick It!

Story by Abby Valarius

The stakes have been high as the BullHawks have competed in their past four meets at West Bend East, Manitowoc, Homestead, and Waukesha. Senior Riley Luettgen, junior Jeni Woolf and sophomore Jackie Miller represent Grafton on this year’s varsity team.

Luettgen was a part of the team as a sophomore and again as a senior and is thrilled to add this to her busy schedule.

This is Woolf ’s third year on the team

Upcoming Meets...

Even with such a small team, the boys’ goals for this season are to win their sectionals. Last year the team ended in 3rd place, but they are even better and stronger team than last year.

Senior Sam Herlache said, “The best meet of the season will be the NSC Meet which is actually held at Grafton, so it would be nice to see people at the meet since it’s at home.”

The NSC conference meet is Saturday, February 7, at 2:00pm at GHS.

Upcoming Meets...

Saturday January 3rd Varsity @ Cedarburg (Bulldog Invite) Tuesday January 6th Varstiy and JV vs. Brown Deer Thursday January 8th Varsity and JV vs. West Bend East

and she is excited to see where this competition season will take her.

“Our team is really strong this year so I am excited to compete,” said Woolf.

As a sophomore this is Jacquelyn’s second year on the team. “I am really looking forward to team dinners and bonding with all the girls,” said Miller.

The girls have placed high in all of their meets, and the team placed first at two of them.

Thursday, January 8th Varsity and JV vs. Whitefish Bay @ WFB Saturday, January 17th vs. Homestead @ Homestead Wednesday, January 28th Varsity and JV Triangular vs. Shorewood, Brookfield Central @ Grafton

Clean Ice Story by Rhylan Gosselin

The Ice Hawks began their season looking promising with their first game on November 22 against Monroe Avalanche at SLICE Arena in Monroe, WI. The Hawks dominated the whole game with seamless passing and communication, outscoring The Avalanche 18-0 as well as setting high hopes of success for the new season.

This season, many new players were added to the Varsity roster. In addition, Coach Ryan Donovan was hired with the hope of success. “I think we’ll do a lot better than the past few years. Coach Dono (Donovan) has really boosted our morals, skills and attitudes,” said senior Nathan Perez.

The excitement from the win readied the Hawks for their second game, and conference opener against Homestead.

Although the boys ended the game with a 7-1 loss, the team continued to work together and not give up.

Goalie #1 Izac Hickox made 43 saves, but the Highlanders’ offense was relentless. Taylor Snider of Port Washington scored a power play goal on

The Highlanders, keeping the game from being a total shutout. “It was pretty neat scoring a goal on Homestead. I shot. I scored. I celebrated,” remarked Snider.

Their next game was won 6-0 with ease against Milton. On December 5 and 6, the boys traveled to Northwest Wisconsin to play Altoona and Black River Falls.

The Hawks won the Altoona game 4-3, moving their record to 3-1.

On Saturday, the PowerPlay proved to be a vital advantage against Black River Falls. The team scored at the end of the third period to send the game into overtime.

Nathan Perez shot against BRF goalie, who missed the save but recovered it as the referee called it a no goal. Once again, Taylor Snider scored the game winner during the overtime power play, making the final score 3-2 and advanced the Hawks overall record to 4-1.

“We’ve really improved this year. Our goal is to win a conference game and have a lot of wins this season,” said sophomore Danny Likins.

Upcoming games...

Saturday, December 20 Varsity @ home vs. Monroe Tuesday, December 23 Varstity @ home vs. Cedarburg Thursday, January 2

Varsity @ Kettle Moraine vs. Homestead

Can’t Pin Them Down

Story by Axel Olivas

The Black Hawk Wrestling team began their season on December 4 with an unfortunate loss against the Nicolet Knights.

The Hawks started down 18 points due to empty spots in their lineup. Despite this disadvantage, the wrestlers were able to come a match away from victory.

Wrestlers contributing to the comeback with pins were Brendan Fugate, Vince Giorgi, Cody Case, and Arturo Duran. Liam Pfleger and Tommy Makela also won their matches. Team captain Pfleger said, “We did pretty good for having most of the team being new to high school wrestling.”

The varsity wrestlers made a solid appearance at the Kimberly Papermaker Invitational. Arthur Duran took second, while Pfleger took third. Makela and Giorgi both took fifth place in their weight class.

Their match against Homestead was a different story.

The Hawks were down 18 to begin with, like they were against the Knights.

Unfortunately, there was no comeback and the wrestling team suffered another loss, this time 54-24.

“If we want success we have to earn it, we have great potential but we can have great success if we continue to work harder,” said captain Duran.

Thursday January 8 Upcoming Meets... Varsity @ Germantown Thursday January 15 Varstiy @ home vs. Port Washington Wednesday February 4 Varsity @ home vs. Cedarburg

Where will the Bucks Roam?

Story by Seth Herlinger

The Milwaukee Bucks have far exceeded expectations so far this season. Their energetic style, new head coach and the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, the young human highlight reels, have gotten people excited and talking about the future of the Bucks.

While the players duel opposing NBA teams, another battle is happening behind the scenes. The Bucks current arena, the BMO Harris Bradley Center, is out of date and its contract with the NBA runs out in 2017.

If a concrete plan for a new arena is not in place by 2017, the NBA could buy the team and possibly move it to another city.

Marc Lasry and Wes Edens, two billionaire hedge fund managers from New York, bought the team in May from former Sen. Herb Kohl.

They have been actively gaining local support and funding for a new arena but still face many challenges.

The first issue is where to build the arena. There are several possible locations for the arena. The number one target for Lasry and Edens is the Journal Communications Head

quarters, the home of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This location would include the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Arena(Formerly U.S. Cellular Arena and Milwaukee Arena) as well as the Milwaukee Theatre. Other locations include a parking lot at the corner of 4th and Wisconsin avenue, land at the corner of 2nd and Michigan street, and a vacant lot just north of the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

The latter of the three has the fewest demolition obstacles and the most parking space, but the area on West Wisconsin is closer to the heart of downtown. Lasry and Edens have said that they would like to have a location nailed down by the end of the year, although this goal is looking increasingly unlikely as December winds down.

“We need to get something done sooner than later because we’ve got to get everything on board, we’ve got to start to break ground,” said Lasry.

As soon as the location for the arena has been picked, the Bucks can start worrying about financing. The arena is estimated to cost about 400 to 500 million dollars, but the Bucks have a $200 million head start. Upon

the sale of the team, former owner Herb Kohl pledged $100 million of his own money to go to the arena, and both Edens and Lasry pledged the other $100 million. Edens and Lasry have also raised financial support from local investors that could go towards the arena. Others have proposed using a “jock tax”, essentially an extra income tax on the Bucks players. The real trouble here is getting public funding for the arena, an idea which many are opposed to. The Bucks will need around $200 million of public money for the arena, but it won’t come easy as Ozaukee, Racine, and Waukesha counties have pledged to oppose any new taxes going to the arena.

On his trip to Milwaukee in November, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver met with Lasry and Edens, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. After the meeting, Silver said he felt “very confident that (Lasry and Edens) are going to get it done.

I think it’s absolutely doable. We’ve seen an enormous amount of positive energy in this community.”

“It’s not just about building an arena”, Edens says, “but creating an experience and the whole revitalization of Downtown, which we think is a big part of the goal here.”

‘tis the Season

Photo Submitted by Brenna Kiehnau

Photo Submitted by Molly Lutz

Photo Submitted by Ella Aspenson

Photo Submitted by Mackenna Amundson

Photo Submitted by Molly Lutz

Photo Submitted by Abigail Valerius Photo Submitted by Grace Potter

Alexandria Young is a loyal and caring freshmen with a big heart towards others. Her empathy shines through in her dreams and aspirations.

Throughout the years, Young has looked up to her teachers in school, specifically Zara Pakroo from John Long Middle School. Her parents have also had a large impact on her life, and they continue to be role models for her. If given the chance, Young would like to “give back to the teachers and my parents for all they’ve done for me.”

Her experience here at high school has been made easier because of the support from Pakroo and Young’s parents, along with her friends.

A perfect summer day for Young includes a combination of friends, family, and a pool to relax by.

Hanging out with friends is ideal for Young, and spending time with them isn’t limited to pool-time or just lounging around.

Young continues to respect others, and aspires to carry on this quality through the next three years of high school.

Many of us have seen her, but most of us probably didn’t really know who she was… until now! This month’s faculty Black Hawk is the unsung hero for the unheard: Ms. Madalyn McDonald.

This UW-Milwaukee Alum with a major in Exceptional Education is one of the two interpreters in the entire district, and could not be happier to be a part of the Black Hawk family.

“I am so grateful to work in a school district like this with such great colleagues,” said McDonald, “I was actually extremely lucky to get this job when I did. It just so happened that my teacher at UWM, Ms. Doering, suggested the job to me because she worked here too and knew of an opening. I never thought that my teacher would become my colleague, and even more so, my friend.”

When she’s not at school, McDonald loves anything that is outdoors and full of adventure. During the summer, which is McDonald’s favorite season, she can be found camping, soaking up the sun, or playing volleyball on the beach.

A high school athlete and thrill seeker, McDonald added, “I just really try to live life in the fast lane, and try to be as outgoing as possible.” McDonald participated in basketball and varsity volleyball all four years of her high school career.

McDonald also has a serendipitous tie with our school colors.

“I was a Burlington Demon, whose colors also just happened to be orange and black as well.... and then I started working here. It must have been a sign.” She also has a very strong fondness for those two colors in particular, she is secretly an avid Halloween fanatic.

Go Grafton, Go Great, Go Ms. McDonald!

Starbucks of choice: Vanilla Latte Spirit animal: Dolphin Favorite hobby: Watching Movies Favorite hangout: the “Batcave”(language office) Celebrity Crush: Bradley Cooper and Paul Walker

AGE: 15 BIRTHDAY: Sept. 23, 1999 HEIGHT: 5’7 FAV COLOR: baby blue FAV CLOTHING STORE: Kohl’s MIDDLE SCHOOL: John Long

CHEERS NEW YEAR TO THE

Each student and faculty member chosen were chosen at complete random to provide equal opportunity. The student and teachers’ names were entered into a database that randomly chose one.