May 2014

ct Grand Ledge High School’s

The Comets’ Tale

Congratulations class of 2014 The Comets’ Tale members Page 16 Students feel the heat as temperatures rise

Page 9

Behind the look of Codie Drake Page 8

Bond race ends in a loss at the polls

Volume 46 Issue 9 May 2014 820 Spring St. Grand Ledge, MI 517-925-5848

Jackson Vanderlaan ‘16 Recently the community of Grand Ledge voted no to the proposed millage increase. This millage increase would have helped the school STAFF WRITER district fund renovations to all of the schools. This would have included the removal of the modulars at Hayes Middle School and Neff Kindergarten center and the expansion and renovations for the fine arts wing and the High School.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Metcalf attributed the defeat of the bond to voter apathy. In a polling of Grand Ledge residents, 60 percent of them supported the passing of the bond.

“The information we have gotten back, it indicates that people just didn’t go out to vote,” Metcalf said. “They either didn’t care enough to go out or forgot that it was happening.”

Students were a little more dismayed about the bond not passing. Especially because a part of the bond was to improve the soccer field.

“The school does all these improvements for the other sports, but soccer is neglected,” sophomore Haley Merak said. “It is really disappointing because I was really excited about finally getting something nice.”

The soccer field’s facilities became mold infested and were torn down a couple years ago. At one point, there was no running water or electricity at the field. Players and fans are still using portable bathrooms. The generator that ran the score clock was replaced with working electricity and there is one location where running water is connected to a makeshift drinking fountain.

Even though the bond was not successful, Metcalf hopes that the public will support the next bond that is coming up soon. This bond is tied to state funding for the school and if it does not pass the school will lose about six million dollars.

“We are not going to put this bond back up for a vote right away,” Metcalf said. “We are focusing on a bond that is related to rental agreements right now. When we do put the bond back up it will have less attached to it.”

One of the numerous objections to the bond was that many of the improvements felt unnecessary to many people, particularly the improvements to transportation and the athletic fields.

“The bond was not going to put in a turf field in the soccer and football stadiums,” Metcalf said, refuting some of the claims. “It was going to help buy new buses. Some of the buses we are using right now, we are pretty sure are going to fail the next upcoming inspection, and we won’t be able to replace them without the money from the bond.”

The money would have also gone to funding the districts one to one student to computer ratio goal.

Some of the students were crestfallen about the bond failing because the High School will no longer be able to pay for other building updates such as the heating and cooling systems.

“I was disappointed that the bond did not pass,” sophomore Jillian Brown said. “I was hoping that I would be able to go to a high school that has normal temperatures. And the choir was really excited for a new choir room.”

The bond would have helped replace many of the mechanical problems the high school is facing.

Charlotte High School recently replaced their heating and cooling systems for around 20 million dollars. Without the bond, GLHS does not have the money to fix the problems that so many students have complained about.

The bond vote came down to only 83 people.

2014 Bond 3066 Voted yes Results 3149 Voted no

Jackson Vanderlaan/The Comets’ Tale

Photo Above: Students crowded the hallway outside of the cafeteria to view the possible layout the high school would have had if the bond passed May 6. These posters were accompanied with pamphlets and magazines to promote and explain the bond. The 60 million dollar bond was voted down in a close race.

Photo Right: A look into a layout for the current art hall if the bond would have passed. Plans for renovation and “21st Century” classrooms were in the works.

Getting teens involved in business The GLHS entrepreneurship STAFF WRITER class has put together a competition for GL students to pitch an idea they are passionate about and talk about the subject for a chance to win a cash prize. The catch is you only have five minutes to impress the judges.

The idea first came about when two GLHS faculty members, business teacher Lucas Schrauben and academic success coordinator Laura Wyble partnered up with the Grand Ledge Business Alliance (GLBA) to network the competition. The two met when Schrauben was teaching E2020 and Wyble invited him to join GLBA with her. GLBA is a group of business owners and educational professionals who meet to discuss projects that they could undertake to improve the community of Grand Ledge.

Schrauben and Wyble are not the only people working to produce a successful event. Jerry Norris, the owner of the local software company, Jaidan enterprises, and is a member of GLBA. Norris and GLBA have currently been working to create an entrepreneurial environment for todays young people.

This competition is just one of the many ideas Schauben, Wyble, and GLBA has been working to achieve.

“Fostering an entrepreneurial environment for our young people has been a theme we have worked to cultivate in Grand Ledge,” Schrauben said. “This competition is just one of many ideas we have been working on.”

Schrauben believes Grand Ledge is a great city for an entrepreneur to start a small business and create positive economic contributors for citizens.

Angela Pontius ‘16

“All businesses start small,” Schrauben said. “As they generate revenue, the business will spend some of that money here in Grand Ledge with other small businesses. Then they hire their friends to work with them, and depending on the type of business, could end up opening a store location or creating local attraction that could draw people to Grand Ledge for living, working, or for leisure.”

Not only do students gain experience in starting their own business, they also develop good soft skills from this type of competition. Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

These skills are important to students who will be presenting to local community members, planning, preparation, public speaking skills, and persuasion in their future job. This translates beyond starting their own business. These soft skills will prepare them for future professional endevours, for example, in a job interview.

“If the student actually launches a part time or full time business, they will be putting their time management, project planning, and ability to follow through to the test,” Schrauben said.

Schrauben said it is impressive for a young person to be able to explain topics such as branding their businesses, design creation, and customer testimonials during an interview rather than talking about how well they worked part time at a fast food restaurant.

The event took place on Wednesday, May 21, at the Grand Ledge City Hall. All Grand Ledge students were welcome to participate in the event. The people who rated the students were local business owners and banking professionals.

Lansing Castillo Robles and his business partner

Kyle Platt entered the competition with their business, ReplEAT. ReplEAT is a meal replacement nutrition bar where for ever bar sold, another bar would be given to a local mission.

“When we expand we want to give to organizations that aid in the fight of hunger in 3rd world countries,” Castillo Robles said.

The two students have always wanted to start a business together and saw five minutes tops as the perfect way to showcase their idea.

“We have been wanting to start a business so we saw this as an opportunity we could not pass up,” Castillo Robles said.

See “Five minutes tops” page 10

Sarah Sims/The Comets’ Tale

During the May 21 competition local Grand Ledge students pitched business ideas.

Students Lansing Castillo and Kyle Platt were some of the top competitors.

Comet-in-Charge As the school year comes to a close, much is going on around NEWS EDITOR the school. Principal Steve Gabriel is busy, along with his colleagues, making plans for the 2014-2015 school year and giving this year a successful close. Juniors’ ACT scores have just come back, the dress code is being improved and student council is already working with Gabriel to plan next year’s prom – possibly off campus.

ACT – The juniors’ ACT scores improved from last year’s in several ways. Individual categories’ scores were higher, composite scores rose and more students reached the college readiness mark. Next year, a free ACT prep session should be available and talk of an ACT prep class is ongoing.

Dress Code – The dress code was addressed in the final PBIS lesson for the 2013-2014 school year. Administration is trying to enforce the dress code more, with emphasis on keeping clothing from being “distracting.” This includes shorts that are too short, midriff tops and shirts with inappropriate content. The handbook is going to be looked into over the summer to further address new styles that the school deems inappropriate for school to give students a better understanding.

2015 Prom – This year, prom was held at the high school because of an inability for student council seniors to find a venue that could hold all of our students on a proper date. Gabriel is in support of hosting prom and banquet off site next year as long as they are at a safe and geologically reasonable location that can also allow for ticket prices to be kept down. Gabriel is also in support of hosting a dinner at prom if it is off campus.

Bry Leach ‘15

The world’s “poorest” president nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

This month, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has begun to consider nominations for this STAFF WRITER year’s Nobel Peace Prize. There has been some controversies over the nominees, who include ex KGB Vladimir Putin, Accused NSA leaker Edward Snowden, and Chelsea Manning formerly Bradley Manning, an Army Private who is currently serving time in prison for leaking the largest amount of classified information in US history. Although many people are questioning the choice behind these nominees, there are other great names on the short list such as Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teen who was shot by the Taliban for supporting girls education, Pope Francis, The International Space Station, and another controversial nominee, José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica Cordano, who is the 78 year old president of Uruguay who has recently been under heat for legalizing marijuana.

“It’s not over the top,” Senior Kayleigh Merz said. “He has put a lot of roadblocks in the way in order to obtain marijuana. It’s regulated so it doesn’t seem that outrageous especially since we (United States) are starting to do the same thing. I don’t see why that’s such a big deal. Colorado can do it.”

Although that is what Mujica is commonly known for, his presidency has made a strong statement in politics in other ways. He won the Uruguayan presidential election by a landslide in 2010 and has since been titled as the world’s ‘poorest’ president. He has earned this title due to his extremely modest lifestyle. He lives with his wife in a small farmhouse outside the country’s capital, Montevideo, instead of the extravagant palace reserved for the president. As a part time farmer, he lives with only his wife, two police guards and his three legged dog Manuela. He gets his water from a well and uses a clothing line to dry his clothes. Unheard from many politicians he donates 90 percent of his monthly salary to the poor and small entrepreneurs,

Zoe Halbeisen ‘14

making his monthly salary equivalent to the average Uruguayan income abortions and same sex marriage. He legalized marijuana in hopes of of $775 (£485) a month. In 2010, his personal wealth equaled the value of lowering the drug problems in the country and using it as a “tool for peace and his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle, which he drives daily over the limousine and understanding.” chauffeur he could employ.

“Consumption of cannabis is not the most worrying thing, drug-dealing is “I give him a lot of props for doing such a humble thing,” senior Jenna the real problem,” Mujica said.

Quatum said. “I don’t know many people and even myself who would do Marijuana sale and production is regulated. It’s a dollar per gram in an something as generous and thoughtful as him.” attempt to undercut the illegal market price of $1.40 and you must be over 18 Although Mujica’s lifestyle contrasts greatly with and registered to purchase so that the government can most politicians, he rejects being called ‘the poorest keep a track of its users. They can also only buy up to 40 “I give him a lot of president.’ grams a month. props for doing such “I’m called ‘the poorest president,’ but I don’t feel “I think it was a good legislative move on his behalf a humble thing. I don’t poor,” Mujica said to BBC. “Poor people are those who because legalizing marijuana would take people out of know many people only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and jail cells and allow cops to focus on other things that and even myself who always want more and more.” need to be taken care of,” senior Casey Dixon said. would do something Mujica’s past as a fighter for democracy gave him “It would also be beneficial for the economy because as generous and his appreciation of life with only the bare essentials. In there could be taxes and it would be more of a business thoughtful as him.”

1960’s and 70’s he was a part of the Uruguayan Guerrilla instead of doing everything under the table.”

Tupamaros. He was shot six times and spent fourteen Mujica is a complete contrast to other powerful world years in jail under harsh conditions and isolation. He leaders and politicians. He has no desire to amass a -Senior Jenna was not freed until 1985 when Uruguay returned to fortune, but wishes to set an example for the world.

Quatum democracy.

“If we lived within our means – by being prudent – the “This is a matter of freedom,” Mujica said. “If you 7 billion people in the world could have everything they don’t have many possessions then you don’t need to work needed,” Mujica said. “Global politics should be moving all your life like a slave to sustain them, and therefore you have more time for in that direction.” yourself.”

Mujica was also a top 10 finalists for the Nobel Peace Prize last year. The Uruguay recently earned the recognition of “country of the year” by the prize winner will be announced in October and if chosen, Mujica’s name Economist magazine mostly due to many of Mujica’s bold and liberal actions. would be added to the honorable list of past winners like president Obama, Besides being the only country to legalize marijuana he has also legalized Nelson Mandela, Elie Wiesel, and Mother Teresa.

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Dress code should be followed by all students Opinion • May 2014

have such a big dress code STUDENT-LIFE EDITOR problem. It’s like they expect When I students to wear jeans when walk down it’s 85 degrees in and outside the hallway, the school. the last I’m not saying that you thing I can’t experiment and wear want to see cute clothes, but have some is a girl’s butt hanging all modesty. You don’t have the way out of her shorts. I to wear shorts that you can also don’t want to see her barely see, low-cut shirts cleavage every time she and loads of makeup to get leans over. Some people attention. You should feel think that exposing yourself comfortable in your clothes, is attractive and it can and there’s no rule against make you feel better about changing when you get home yourself but I just think from school. You also have its disrespectful—both to all summer to wear that kind yourself and others. Girls of clothing. need to stop wearing such Another reason not to skimpy clothes and start wear provocative clothing being more conservative and is because school is a respective themselves. professional place. It is The dress code at GLHS getting you ready for your had not been enforced future, wherever it may take the way it should be. you. What you wear also Administration sent out a represents the school. Is PBIS PowerPoint talking how you dress now going to about what the correct dress be the way you dress when code is. Also, it said that they you have a professional job? are going to do a better job What about when you’re a and all work together, but mom? When a professional we’ve all heard that before. comes into the school and Teachers and faculty say that they see students dressed every year, and every year the way some do, it will mold the provocative clothing gets their opinion of the school worse; shorter shorts and in a negative light. Dress for lower shirts. On days when success, not for other people. it’s 80 degrees at nine in the I don’t think girls should morning, no one is going to start dressing like nuns, wear acceptable shorts and but it would be nice to see modest shirts. Students will some self-respecting clothes. keep wearing skimpy clothes Remember—you’re beautiful because there is no real just the way you are and you punishment. I mean, maybe don’t need skimpy clothes to if the classrooms weren’t so look pretty or hot. hot, administration wouldn’t Amy Case ‘16

Amy Case/The Comets’ Tale

Seniors Alex Fucciolo and Thomas Novakoski, along with junior Alexis Lopez, showcase appropriate attire that follows dress code. Provocative clothing can result in a distracting learning environment and therefore the dress code should be enforced by the GLHS staff.

Senior Oscars needs to change

happening again this year, senior Oscar night coordinator and teacher Tracy COPY EDITOR Clark set the date on school night to discourage kids from staying out late, Leonardo DiCaprio and scheduled it earlier in the day so might be a great actor that students don’t have a ton of time but that doesn’t mean between school and the event. he’s popular enough Categories like ‘Most Athletic,’ ‘Best to win an Oscar. The Pockets,’ and ‘Class Bookworm’ are some same can be said for that I have a problem with. I think that the students left off the nominee list for categories like ‘Best Pockets’ should Senior Oscars who deserve it. Like Leo, be removed completely because high who we can all agree is deserving, these school is not about who has the best butt, students have been left off the A-list. and a student should not be judged for Senior Oscars is a popularity contest. that. With the dress code being better Several students were voted for more enforced it’s hypocritical of teachers and than once, why? Because those are the the school to reinforce that a girl cannot students that come first to mind and have shorts above her fingertips because who many would consider “popular.” it’s “distracting” and students have no A student that was voted for more than self control, but for it to be okay to judge once is potentially taking the spot for someone on his or her butt. a student who hasn’t been in any other Also this categories. year Clark has “I added teacher don’t like nominated anything categories, that such as provides the ‘Future CEO’ opportunity and ‘Einstein to single Award’ that kids out focuses either for more on the good things scholastic or bad side. Clark things,” hopes principal that next Steve year more Gabriel categories will said. “It’s a be teacher tough one, nominated. it could Teacher be they’re nominated being teased categories or it’s a is a great popularity idea because thing.” it allows students Popularity Bry Leach/The Comets’ Tale that would contests Senior Oscar night might be a good concept, but it not normally bring out the worst in can sometimes cause unfair advantages for more be considered popular students. In some circumstances, it can lead to a chance to people. To opportunities for kids to be singled out whether it be for be voted for. one person an offensive good or bad things. Some categories that are presented The categories comment at Senior Oscar night can also be problematic because and voting overlooks many might just of their inappropriate judging. other types of be a joke, students like but to most musical and hardest worker, as just another it’s hurtful and mean. I didn’t two examples. Getting rid of unnecessary attend the Senior Oscar night this year, offensive ones and adding categories but I heard that the speeches were mean, that celebrate all types of students, not and some people could not keep their just the popular ones, is a great way to mean spirited comments to themselves. make Senior Oscar night an event that In the past there has been incidents of all students will want to attend and have students arriving to senior Oscar night fun at. drunk or high. To help prevent this from Sarah Clinkscales ‘15

Mission Statement The Comets’ Tale, a newspaper produced for and by students of Grand Ledge High School, will provide the student body with information pertinent to events, activities and issues that affect GLHS students.

Editor-in-Chief Krystin Verran Managing Editor Jake Thomann Design Editor Sarah Sims Business Manager Mary Vu Photo Editor Elizabeth Wood

Copy Editor Sarah Clinkscales Student Life Editor Amy Case News Editor Bry Leach Sports Editor Zach Kramp

Sarah Sims/The Comets’ Tale

While attempting to advertise for the May 6 bond vote, a version of the Grand Ledge Insider was published strictly promoting the bond. In the Insider, many errors were made about what the bond would be used for along with many factual errors. One of these errors was a pie chart (pictured above) that was meant to read 51 percent, but the percentages of the pie chart were incorrectly drawn.

GLPS bond needs revisions to succeed in future polls

A 60 million dollar investment into “21st education” failed to pass for Grand Ledge Public Schools.

On May 6, 2014, residents in the Grand Ledge district voted on the bond proposal, and it failed to pass by 83 votes.

Although a bond in the future could be successful if the school district re-thinks and re-proposes the material in a clear, detailed way to the community.

With the glossy pamphlets, and a high quality video, there was still holes in the proposal that community members could not see at first glance. The proposal had six key features including: safety and security, technology, busing, traffic safety, building efficiency and high school renovations. There were a few misconceptions and hidden elements that were frustrating. In the bond there was no bullet point for athletics. The district wanted to build a new sports complex and make upgrades to the existing fields, add parking and improve bleachers. Adding a new sports arena would cost enough money that it should have been added to the list of features instead of bundling it within key items like “traffic safety,” or “high school renovations.”

Even with the deterioration of our current fields they still are playable, even if they aren’t multi-purpose. The district should concentrate less on the athletics and put more effort into safety and security, which is better for the students and faculty.

In the bond there were many positive attributes. A road from M-43 into the GLHS student parking lot would create a safer way into school during the 7:30 a.m. rush, and building updates would increase building proficiency, and heating/cooling problems. Also, adding more computer

EDITORIAL

Entertainment Editor Katt Gonzalez Feature Editor Rachel Rayl

Staff Writers

Emily Bellar Rollin Brummette Jessica Cotter Gabrielle Cushman Kathrine Davidson Alicia Degroat Zoë Halbeisen

Allen Hendrick Jenna Jardine Taylor Kennaugh Emily Magoon Brianna Martin Robert Mitchell Angela Pontius Rachel Rayl Ciera Roberts Katie Twarozynski

lab classrooms would really benefit the district as a whole.

More classes are using websites like “Edmodo” and “Google Drive.” The only issue with adding more technology is adding iPads that students rarely have the need to use. In the end those would be a waste of electricity and if they re-propose the bond, they should try to keep the idea of those computer labs. A computer has a lot more power and options than an iPad. You cannot write a paper, make power points or use many programs/websites on the iPad. They were only somewhat convenient for the few times students ever use them.

Not only that, there were many numbers and charts floating around from different news stations, pamphlets, and statements. A particular example was in the Grand Ledge “Insider” magazine, and the magazine contained a disproportionate pie chart. This chart showed how the bond could be broke up and “51 percent would go to teaching and learning” but this 51 percent section looked like it was 70 percent, and the other sections were smaller than they should have been. It is a misconception to readers and the voting public and that further harms this bond because you can never tell what was the truth and what was miscommunicated.

In the next year or two the district should re-visit a bond, and fixing/ improving our school district. Seeing the school district get a slight face-lift would be great, and ensure that future generations have safe, updated schools, but the district should go about it differently. If the bond was more explained, more detailed, and have emphasis on facts than glossy handouts and posters then it could be very successful in the polls.

Jackson Vanderlaan Alexis VelasquezMayhew Nathan Werner Michael Wilson Adviser Sara-Beth Badalamente

Letters to the Editor are encouraged by The Comets’ Tale staff. Letters may pertain to an article written or simply act as a form of student expression. All letters must be deemed publishable by the Editorial Board including the adviser. They should be 200 words or less but may be edited for content of length. All letters to the Editor must be signed. To send a letter to the Editor, students may drop them in the publications room (room 113).

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3 Breaking down the Top 25 process Opinion • May 2014

Zoe Halbeisen ‘14

Everybody wants to talk about it, but nobody wants to be that person. Society has taught us not to complain about getting an A- because there is someone else out there who got a C. Don’t beat yourself up over that bad play because you still won the game.

Don’t complain about not being in the Top 25 because you still got into the college you wanted. So we stay quiet. But nobody should feel ashamed of having high expectations for themselves, or for voicing their opinion. Standardized tests are already overvalued. One test taken during junior year decides your fate, it shouldn’t decide your ranking too.

I do congratulate those who are in the Top 25 because they are all very intelligent and deserving of the title. Many were already in the Top 25 based on their GPA alone, and for those who weren’t, it’s not their fault that they were able to benefit from what I deem a faulty system. The point is that the Top 25 should be the exact Top 25 seniors who have consistently been in the top for most or all of their four years of high school, not someone who got a free ride through a high ACT score. I know that GLHS can’t suddenly change the way society depends on standardized testing, but by continuing the system they’re going on, they’re enforcing the already tight constraints that these tests hold over high school students, teachers, and the curriculum.

The determining of the Top 25 seniors involves a process that hardly measures the true intelligence of students.

The formula is: (GPA × 250) + (ACT score × 27.778). For example, if you had a GPA of 4.0 and an ACT score of 36, then your score would be 2000 points. ACT score is not only factored in, but it weighs 50 percent of the total score. ACT scores should not be weighted so heavily or even counted at all. When looking into the formula, I was given a document that explains the process from an unknown source that claimed, “This process is an extremely valid indicator of a student’s academic success,” But that’s not true. It’s an old argument that standardized tests are not a valid measure of one’s intelligence. When talking to principal Steve Gabriel, he agreed with that fact but claimed that it’s not a matter of determining intelligence, but that it proves college readiness.

“I don’t think it’s a measure of intelligence, it’s meant to measure academic preparation,” Gabriel said. “The ACT is a predictor of how well students will do in college and therefore it’s pretty accurate in its measure of how prepared students are. And ultimately our goal of the high school is to prepare students to go onto that next part of their lives whether it be college or career readiness.”

But to that I say then it shouldn’t be called “The Top 25.”

Call it “The Top Standardized Test Takers” or “The Most Prepared for College.” The Top 25 is universally recognized as the Top 25 scholars. Being prepared for college does not make you a scholar. Although, I recognize that this is a smart method for the school as the school looks better and receives more money with higher test scores. So using this system entices students to get higher ACT scores which will in turn benefit the school.

“It rewards kids on that other end by wanting to do better on their ACT,” Gabriel said. “There’s personal reward in terms of getting into the college of their choice and so forth. Also it certainly benefits the school too if we have high ACT scores as well.”

Although there are other honors such as Summa Cum Laude (gpa 3.9 and up), Magna Cum Laude (gpa 3.7-3.9),

STAFF WRITER

Cum Laude (gpa 3.5-3.7), and Honor Roll (gpa 3.0-3.5), the point of the matter is that the Top 25 is the highest honor and receives the most recognition. They appear in the paper, get special recognition at graduation, and have their own recognition ceremony with the school board. The Top 25 should therefore actually be the Top 25 seniors.

As of now it is not completely an accurate representation.

I say completely because I do acknowledge the trend that usually students with high GPA’s have high ACT scores and therefore maintain their positions in the Top 25. But this year almost ¼ of the Top 25 seniors prior to ACT scores lost their positions in the Top 25 once ACT scores got factored in. But even if it were only 1 out of 25, that’s still a discrepancy. The process has many faults, one being that it does not factor in class rigor. For example, someone who did well in easy classes and got a high ACT score could end up in the Top 25, where if the process calculated only GPA’s, it would automatically factor in class rigor. Since GLHS goes off a 5 point scale for AP classes, those at the top of the class with the highest GPA’s would have had to have taken AP classes to begin with. True story: Chad Denbrock was ranked fifth in this year’s senior class. He took 3 AP classes– Physics, Calculus BC, and Chemistry–two of those AP classes taken as a junior, had a 4.14 GPA, and got a 26 on his ACT. After ACT scores were factored in, he got surpassed by students who were originally ranked in the 40s and students who did not even have a 4.0 GPA. “I felt like all the work I had done in Grand Ledge was worthless,” Denbrock said. “I shouldn’t have put so much work into school as I had. I regret working so hard because I could have played baseball the last two years of my highschool career, but I concentrated on academics that I wasn’t even recognized for in the end.”

GPA’s are a valid indication of a student’s performance throughout high school and should stand alone. ACT scores show college readiness, not intelligence or hard work. ACT tests can be retaken over and over where high school is less forgiving. It’s unfair to students who can’t afford the prep classes or books that show how to “beat the test,” or the $52.50 it costs each time to retake.

I have been ranked 14 or higher in my class for all our years.

I am also one who got replaced in the Top 25 by those who got a higher ACT score. I have been made to feel like the 26 I got on my ACT was not good enough. I am not writing this article out of bitterness, but out of pride. In reality it doesn’t matter who’s in the Top 25 or not, but it’s an extreme blow to those who have been working to be at the top since freshman year. There aren’t many recognitions out there for academics. Nine out of 10 times the jock will be praised over the “nerd.” This was their chance to be recognized for their hard work and the sacrifices they made. The system not only cheats students out of their place, but encourages societies over reliance on standardized tests. The determination process was implemented before Gabriel was even principal, and the document in which the administration follows for determining The Top 25 is from an unknown source and has multiple errors on it, ranging from spelling errors to a mathematical error with the formula. Perhaps it’s time for something new. Gabriel firmly stated that he does not foresee a change in the process anytime soon.

“This is something that the school board supports and I don’t anticipate any changes to it,” Gabriel said.

But nothing is more powerful than people who aren’t ashamed to voice their opinion.

Sarah Sims/The Comets’ Tale

After the Top 25 Scholars were announced, their names were published and presented on the Grand Ledge Administration Building’s sign. The Top 25 is determined by a formula that combines both ACT scores and the student’s GPA.

Other schools calculating Top 25 School’s using only GPA: Holt Waverly DeWitt Haslett

Charlotte La nsing Catholic Potterville Williamston Mason

Advice to push you through high school Jess Cotter ‘16

STAFF WRITER Striving to be the best students we possibly can, we often find ourselves getting lazier as the school progresses. It is important as a student to keep pushing ourselves to attain our academic goals because high school grades will set the tone for students as they strive towards high school graduation and achieve college acceptance.

When we look to further our education, or even find ourselves a possible career path being the best student for yourself will make a big difference.

As a freshman, it is important to really work hard getting almost perfect grades on everything. This is important because the grades that are earned as a freshman will set your GPA for the rest of your high school years. It is good to have a goal for yourself and really stick to it. Tell yourself you want to get straight A’s or even setting a high GPA that can be attainable and can be reached your freshman year. This will set a good routine for the rest of your high school career.

When starting out getting good grades and applying yourself to everything, this will most likely create good habits for the rest of high school. But if students fall in the opposite direction, then it will be a hard to get motivated for school work. As a freshmen I did not think about the future, and how much those first year grades would really affect me. If I were given a second chance at my GPA definitely I would go back and change everything.

Another way to ensure a successful academic trimester is to not get caught up in all of the drama. Remember, when trying to pay attention in class, do not pick up the phone containing all the social networks such as Twitter and Instagram because the phone cannot do anything to help grades.

During sophomore and junior years you want to prepare yourself for the ACT. Go to as many practice tests and going online and studying previous year questions.

Also during these years taking all of your required classes can clear up your senior year. As a senior you do not want to take all required and all AP classes, you want to have some classes that are not very stressful and give a lot of homework.

Finding a good study habit for yourself that you can really help. When you have a good routine it can improve your study skills and make you more motivated to actually study and do your homework.

There are a lot of students who prefer to sit in a really quiet room, that way they can have 100 percent focus. Or, I prefer to listen to music while I study. That way I can be focused and sometimes during a test I can think back to a certain song and remember what exactly I was studying during each song. Whatever works for you stick to it.

It is important to keep in mind that school will be one of the main things that will matter most down the road. So do not get caught up in things that you will regret in the future that distracted you from your education. As a student I always try to do my best that way I can ensure good habits later on in life and in college. No matter how hard it may be at times to do the simple things like do our homework or study for a test, it makes a huge difference when we do. Always try your hardest at school so that way your future education and career is bright.

Liz Wood/The Comets’ Tale

Seniors CeCe Roberts and Jenna Jardine pass down their four years of experience to freshman Jessie Saratt. After attending GLHS for four years, they have learned the ins and outs of how the school runs and the best classes to take, and can pass down this advice to younger students.

Classes that leave a mark Jenna Jardine ‘14 STAFF WRITER CeCe Roberts ‘14 STAFF WRITER

Liz Wood/The Comets’ Tale

High school can be overwhelming, but staying on task and setting goals can help students overcome the stresses. Staying out of drama will also help students stay focused on school work and studying.

Doing this will help students out in the long run and can help students get better grades.

Every student should have the opportunity to experience a class that they will never dread going to. The feeling you get when you go into a classroom and are excited to learn, not just talk to your friends is one that is necessary to have in high school.

As seniors, we have experienced almost every class the school has to offer. From AP Calculus to speech to creative writing, we have had our share of the GLPS elective classes, and know which ones gave us this feeling. We want you to be able to have this too, so please consider this a guide to picking classes that will be exciting, interesting, and intellectually stimulating.

As students of GLHS we are lucky enough to have access to various AP classes, and should take advantage of this. AP history is a class most often taken by juniors and seniors looking to earn college credit and up their GPA but it is so much more than that. The class is rigorous and the course load is heavy, but it is worth it. It is easy to feel like you are learning nothing while you are in this class but do not worry, you are. This is one of those classes where you realize the true value after it is over. After the class you will be astounded by how much you actually picked up. You will also have a good handle on writing essays and reading for information. And you will be able to understand those historical jokes your grandfather always cracks.

AP Calculus, on the other hand, is a class you realize you love right in the beginning. This class is not only a fun class because of the teaching style but it is also an epiphany. In this class you learn the why behind every math class you have ever taken. You also learn that all of those things you say people never use actually are used in real life and that a lot of the things you learned is past classes are easier with calculus.

Not only are AP classes an introduction to college they are also one of few high school classes where there is a definite sense of camaraderie among students. So in AP classes not only do you gain a great GPA, college application, and college credit but you can make some new friends and realizations while you are at it.

Another class that GLHS offers that is comparable to a college class is creative writing. This class helps every student become a better reader and writer. Over the course of the trimester you build a portfolio of pieces that are all written in a professional and original manner. The class is full of other students who are willing to offer up constructive criticism, much like a college writing class. There are also many other aspects of the class that resemble a college writing environment. Each day is a discussion about writing, which creates a drive to build on your writing and challenge yourself. Most importantly you learn that “reading is writing and writing is reading” and have a chance to explore wellwritten literature. After this class you will no longer write clichés, struggle to write to a rubric, or be shocked by a college writing class.

Speech is another class where amazing realizations and academic gains are made. Taking speech class can help students in many ways. Most obviously public speaking will improve, but there are many other hidden advantages. The nerves that often come along with public speaking are often the hardest to get over. Speech helps with this, which can also be a big confidence booster. This class provides a comfortable and safe environment for overcoming these fears. The dynamic in the classroom fosters growth through group presentations, debate, and personal speeches.

All of these things provide an opportunity for self expression, growing in leadership roles and learning new skills. The skills students gain while in speech class are things they will need for the rest of their lives. Almost every career requires some form of public speaking and these skills will become invaluable through the years.

High school is meant to provide students with a wellrounded education that will help them in the future. The classes outlined in this article, and many others offered at GLHS, are incredibly helpful in the process of preparing for the future.

Electives are often the hardest classes to choose because there are so many options and there is not very much information out there about them. We hope that this article is helpful in choosing a few.

Extended curriculum classes are usually well discussed between the student body and staff members and are utilized by many students, but are not for everyone. Whatever the interests, future career paths, or abilities looking into some of these classes can be beneficial in many ways for many students.

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Entertainment • May 2014

“Godzilla” reboot stomps onto the big screen with destruction, chaos and success

The idea of a giant reptilian monster creating MANAGING EDITOR chaos throughout a city sounds ridiculous, and the idea of making a movie using that concept sounds like a failure.

Nevertheless, an attempt at making this idea into reality was made in 1954 with the release of the film “Godzilla.” The film resulted in making the Godzilla character into a cultural icon. The recent addition to the franchise, a 2014 reboot for Godzilla that is directed by Gareth Edwards, not only lives up to the promise of bringing the beast back onto the big screen, but he does it with a glorious style and destruction.

The film serves as a reboot for the Godzilla franchise and helps tell the origins of the monster. The conflict that arises in the movie is that Godzilla is not the only monster in the film: other creatures create mayhem throughout the world and entire cities are being devastated by these attacks. Most of the story follows Ford Brody (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a military soldier that finds himself in the middle of all the chaos. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston also serves a role in the movie as Ford’s father.

Destruction is shown by “Godzilla” in magnificent fashion and is probably the best attribute the film has. The special effects will amaze movie-goers and makes them feel like all of the mayhem could really happen. Buildings fall, missiles and bullets are fired at the gigantic Jake Thomann ‘16

monsters, and chaos erupts in cities throughout the world. One particular scene where the Golden Gate Bridge is damaged by Godzilla stands out as one of the special effect highlights in the movie. The monster fight scenes can bring a grin onto anyone in the audience.

Spectacular visuals are delivered and will absolutely surprise anyone.

The human element that is brought into the film makes it even better. “Godzilla” carefully balances the monster and human stories into the movie and makes sure it is not always about the destruction.

From the destruction of real life cities like Tokyo to the obliteration of famous locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, these events make the audience question what it would be they actually happened.

Sadly, “Godzilla” is not a perfect cinematic achievement and comes with some flaws. One of biggest downfalls of “Godzilla” is Bryan Cranston’s acting abilities, or more specifically the lack of Cranston in the movie. Even though his role played a huge role in the film’s success, Cranston was severely underused and any fan of Cranston’s work would agree.

The film’s marketing portrayed Cranston’s character as the main character of “Godzilla,” but Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character ended up being the film’s focus. Cranston does play a partially-major part in the first act of the movie, but from then on his role is diminished.

For any casual viewer, this issue can be dismissed, but either way, the movie would have been much better if they kept the filmmakers utilized Cranston’s throughout the film.

It’s ironic, however, that one of the film’s biggest issues is also one

La Dispute’s third album to arrive soon

La Dispute is a band well known for their post-hardcore sound, raw vocals and ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR great lyrics. A staple in progressive rock, La Dispute has gained a huge following since their debut album in May 2008.

Their up and coming album, Rooms of the House, has been followed closely by fans and is more somber than previous albums have been.

With two studio albums and a third on the way, this band hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, originally playing house shows and becoming extremely successful over the past few years.

La Dispute has made a name for themselves in past years, bringing a new flavor and style to the hardcore music scene; lyricism comparable to spoken word, and simple, resonating guitar riffs that compliment the lyrics, taking a new spin on the genre of music they are classified under. The vocals are easily recognizable even by those who don’t closely follow the band.

Rooms of the House, their third studio album, features a set of portraits hanging on a wall, and thematically follows lead singer and songwriter Jordan Dreyer’s childhood.

Lyrics in the first song of the album, ‘Hudsonville, MI 1956’, were the deciding factor for the name of the album; ‘There are bridges over rivers/ There are moments of collapse/ There are drivers with their feet on the glass/ You can kick but you can’t get out/ There is history in the rooms of the house.’

Dreyer has a remarkable ability to portray feelings of sadness in metaphors that most of us can relate to. This is most apparent in the second song of the album, and my personal favorite, ‘First reactions after falling through the Ice’. This song follows Dreyer as the protagonist, and a simplistic story of falling through the ice, both literally and metaphorically, his metaphorical relationship under thin ice a big lyrical influence in this song. ‘All the way at the edge I said I think/ That we should head back /What if now the ice cracked?/Think I felt it bend// We took opposite steps/ Tried to even the stress/ Picked a safe direction but/ You never know the way the ice thins’.

My respect for Dreyers lies mostly in his prowess as a songwriter, portraying emotions in a way that is extremely simple and relatable. His music can be hard to stomach for many, with a voice described as ‘whiny’, but there is no denying his poeticism with the way he writes, and Rooms of the House is no exception to his great collection of songs.

Rooms of the House is La Dispute’s third studio album, and was released with a 48-page book detailing the process of making the album and all the lyrics. A national tour started March 14, and an international tour started on April 27 of this year.

Katt Gonzalez ‘15

of its best attributes. Despite his minor role, the fact that he is in the film is reason enough to go see “Godzilla.” Throughout the first act of the movie, Cranston carried the movie with his captivating acting skills, and I found myself wanting more screen-time for him. His acting brought out a range of emotions from his character, which made him feel like one of the realest people on screen. “Godzilla” benefited greatly with granting Cranston a spot on the cast and his performance was definitely a highlight of the film.

Godzilla’s presence was also a major issue that many movie-goers will notice. The monster is merely teased for the first hour of the film, and even after his full reveal it takes until the final act to fully see how much destruction Godzilla can cause. The reason behind this could be because the filmmakers wanted to give a sense of suspense and excitement. Although this is understandable, it still leaves the audience somewhat disappointed with the lack of Godzilla’s presence.

There were other minor issues that could arise: Taylor-Johnson’s acting can be partially stale at times and the story is very forgettable.

Despite these issues, “Godzilla” is still able to bring out more positives than negatives and stand out as one of the best monster movies ever made.

“Godzilla” is not a cinematic masterpiece, nor is it a complete failure.

It is simply a fun movie that will excite anyone that is looking for action, adventure, destruction, mayhem, and chaos. The film sets the bar for summer movies and it will be hard for anyone to overthrow the king of the monsters.

Jake Thomann/The Comets’ Tale

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5

Entertainment • May 2014

Illustration by Michael Wilson/The Comets’ Tale

In the past year, Justin Bieber has been in controversy with egging houses, speeding and violent rages. He started in the music industry as a teen idol, but recent events have incriminated Bieber.

Bieber’s next tour The excitement for this movie will make could be you “light up like a Christmas tree” booked behind bars

Emily Magoon /The Comets’ Tale

On June 6 “The Fault in our Stars” hits screens across the nation. An adaption of the New York Bestseller book is awaited by many fans. It is a heartfelt love story where the main characters Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters are both cancer patients who meet at a cancer support group from their mutual friend Issac.

story (both are well known for their parts in “Divergent,” STAFF WRITER released in March).

Hazel Grace, 16, was diagTeens find that nosed with a form of Thyroid works by popular cancer that has spread into her author John Green lungs. She is a realist who thinks are great and honest she has already gotten her story representations of written out, but when a gorgeous situations and problems that real plot twist comes to Cancer Kid life people have to go through. His Support Group and introduces himcharacters are relatable; it feels like self as Augustus Waters, her life is you would run into one of his charabout to be rewritten. acters walking down the halls of Augustus Waters, 17, is an osour school. He has changed the way teosarcoma cancer survivor at the teenagers’ view reading all around cost of his right leg which is now the world and his new book turned replaced with a prosthetic one. He movie, ‘The Fault in Our Stars,” will is a character specifically designed share that with all ages. so that you cannot help but fall in The film stars Shailene Woodlove with: he’s not fake or cocky. ley as Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus thrives on metaphors and Ansel Elgort as Augustus Waters symbolism as well as his awareness the “star-crossed lovers” that serve of oblivion and the insignificance as the two main characters of the Emily Bellar ‘16

Alicia Degroat ‘16 STAFF WRITER

America’s young sweetheart, whose voice was discovered at age 14, no longer is as innocent as some may think. Canadian popstar, Justin Bieber, caught under the influence­ —looks like he’ll be trying to sleep his hangover off on a concrete floor.

“When I heard Justin Bieber was put in jail for drunk driving, I wasn’t shocked,” sophomore Chloe Lepine said. “It was going to happen sooner or later, just like Miley Cyrus or Brittney Spears. They’re just trying to break away from being America’s little sweethearts.”

Justin Bieber has not only been caught for a DUI but he has spat on his “beliebers” that he so call “loves.” Bieber has also been caught red handed doing graffiti on buildings in Miami.

Even GLHS Track and Field team is making fun of Bieber. The team is trying to persuade kids to join Track and Field by mocking Bieber. On Jan 23, people start beginning to realize that Bieber is a joke. Bieber was drag raced at 136 mph with some friends which then landed him into jail. Bieber was charged with DUI and resisting arrest. Bieber went from an all American popstar to a convict in a matter of months. Some GLHS students believe he deserved it.

“I personally don’t like Justin Bieber and just because he is famous doesn’t mean he deserves special treatment,” sophomore Caitlin Clouse said. “He is getting way too caught up into the fame and something needed to snap him back to reality.”

Many people have mixed emotions about Bieber. Although, Bieber does get the easy way out of everything. He was left sitting in jail for 60 minutes before his manager came to bail him out.

“Bieber should not get the ‘okay’ to do whatever he wants just because he is famous,” sophomore Natalya Iversen said. “Justin Bieber has changed far too much, he went from ‘America’s Sweetheart’ to a narcissistic, arrogant brat. ” Bieber’s fame has caught him losing his morality. Bieber started off as a young kid wanting to fulfill his dreams just like any other ordinary kid. Bieber is becoming known for his indiscreet decisions. America is beginning to realize he not “America’s little sweetheart” after all.

of human life on earth. In other words, he has his world figured out until he meets Hazel Grace and starts living despite how pointless “shouts into the void” actually are.

This book follows their discoveries in each other and in themselves, discovering their small infinity, inside of the world’s larger one. It’s a soul breaking and beautiful story about their first love which they thought was impossible.

This is one of my favorite books right now because it is such a powerful view on the way the world works that I completely agree with.

Hazel Grace and Augustus do not hide behind their disabilities which shows that they will not let their fate consume them. They are themselves and they want to stay that way despite what the world throws at them. Hazel and her sarcastic

retorts, along with Augustus’ witty comments make this story funny and relatable, despite the serious theme which I feel is a really important part of them as characters.

It is also a glimpse into the world of people with cancer and how it affects family, friendships and even themselves. Cancer is real, even though a lot of people don’t like to think about it and would rather stay ignorant to it. John Green does an amazing job of providing a realistic and insightful view into these people’s lifestyles.

The movie arrives in theaters June 6, and I am getting my hands on some tickets as we speak. You can purchase tickets at your favorite theaters or on their websites when they become available which should be, at the earliest, the last two weeks of April.

Five apps to get up and start moving Katt Gonzalez ‘15

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

1. Nike+ Move This app is great for beginner athletes.

Nike+ measures how much you move, when and where, using GPS technology found on your phone that tracks how much movement you make in a day and giving you a breakdown of what you have done throughout the day and encouraging you to move more with NikeFuel points. With the helpful option of comparing activity with friends and other Nike+ Move users, you will never skip a beat – or a run.

Get these free apps that will keep students active and fit this year 2. Fitbit

This app logs your calories and is one of the most effective to help you lose weight by really thinking about what you consume and what calories you burn. Fitbit does something most calorie counting apps don’t – it tells you the amount of calories burned throughout the day. Fitbit comes with one downside; you have to log the calories of the food you eat, and unlike other calorie counters, you have to manually enter the information as opposed to there being a food database, which has pre-entered food and calorie information.

3. Moves

With an iOS inspired design, Moves is a handy pedometer that has one of the simplest user interfaces seen in these types of apps.

You can log movements that range from walking, to running, to cycling, and look through your time line of daily events in order to see where you’ve been and how long it took you to get there. Plot routes on a map, see calories burned per activity and set goals for yourself throughout the day.

4. HealthyWalk

True to its name, this app is a pedometer that tracks steps and distance without having to use GPS, which drains power from your phone. With a simple and straightforward user interface, HealthyWalk easily counts your steps and allows you to know exactly how many steps you’re taking in a day, serving its only purpose without difficulty.

This app is made for people who like to take things one thing at a time.

5. Runtastic

This app charts out how many steps you take in a day and at which times you are most active. Runtastic works anywhere – pants pockets, jacket pockets, hands, armbands, bags, or purses and has useful features like speed calculation, step frequency and allows you to save your body weight and height for an accurate calorie count, distinguishing itself from other.

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Feature • May 2014

Overcoming the odds

Moving halfway across the whole world may be intimidating, but that’s exactly what senior Yafeng STAFF WRITER Jiang did just five years ago.

“I moved here when I was in the eighth grade so think I was 13,” Jiang said. “I live here, my parents live here too.”

Jiang moved from Fuzhou, Fujian, China, and one of the biggest hurdles adapting to life in the United States was the language barrier. In China, she learned how to read English, but never learned to speak it because most of where they would encounter English would be online or in business paperwork.

“In China we think that English is a really important language because we really want people to get international, like we are really communist but we want to be one with the world-so we learned English,” Jiang said. “Since English is like [the] main subject to us, I think English is really good, a lot of other countries speak English too.”

After moving here and getting enrolled in school, Jiang had no friends, no real way of communicating with peers and could only understand English through written text, until she met and befriended a Korean exchange student, Seran Oh. “I had a Korean exchange student friend and she knew a lot of English so she just encouraged me to talk to her so I learned a lot of English from her,” Jiang said.

Not being a native born English-speaking person, Jiang has had some troubles with learning in school.

“In school sometimes I have trouble in history class, but normally I think everything is okay because people don’t really say complicated words to me, they say like really simple words to me so I think it’s not really hard, we learned British English so we sound really different too,” Jiang said.

Jiang has had troubles at her doctor’s office where she has had troubles explaining her symptoms to the doctor.

Because of this problem, Jiang is going back to China to get a treatment for a medical condition.

“I think the first time here when I got sick, and the hospital is really expensive so I have a really hard time to go there so I go to little doctors office and its really hard to explain like why I’m so sick,” Jiang said.

“This summer I am going back to China and I go back to but its like a skin problem so its not big problem but they don’t really understand me. I have to go back to China to find a doctor, because some professional words are hard for me to understand,but I think that was the most hard thing I have run into living here,” Jiang said.

Making friends has been a challenge, but not a big enough obstacle to stop Jiang from finding her spot at GLHS. “I don’t think I have a lot of friends but I have some friends. I think most are Asian or [have an] Asian face because I think I talk a lot in China, but not so much here,” Jiang said. “Us Asians, we are shy until we get along then we talk a lot, but here I don’t know, we don’t have the same topics [like] when I talk too Americans we are doing different things I think, [sometimes] when I say something they don’t really understand.

A lot of people don’t understand my country, I think its just a really different culture that’s all, but they are really nice to me.”

Bobby Mitchell ‘15

Gabby Cushman/The Comets’ Tale

Students in gym teacher Dan Malkewitz’s first hour stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. A bill was passed last year that requires schools to give students the ability to stand and say the pledge, but the 1st Amendment gives students the right to decide whether they want to stand for the pledge or not.

Students refrain from pledging their allegiance in the mornings Civil rights allows students to step back from pledging to the flag

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reshman Kaitlyn Hravatic is STAFF WRITER originally from Kenya. She believes that it is a honor to be able to stand for the pledge, as her home country was not as united as America.

Yet many other students at GLHS do not share her same views.

“I haven’t lived in America for all of my life, but standing up for something like that is something you should be proud,” Hravatic said. “I don’t agree with everything about the United States, but I completely and totally agree that people should stand up for their country and support their leaders.”

Governor Rick Snyder passed a bill on Oct. 5, 2012, that required all Michigan classrooms to have an American flag in their room and to state the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom.

A number of students at GLHS stand up to give thanks to their country, yet a few students do not stand up for the pledge, whether it be of personal reasons or other items of importance.

There is something all students can agree upon though; it is good that they have a choice.

A reason some students may not stand for or say the pledge is because part of the pledge favors a religion that some students may not believe in.

Gabby Cushman ‘17

“I understand that the ‘one nation under God part’ is offensive to some people because some people don’t believe in God or don’t believe in a God called God," Spanish teacher Debra Butler said.

Many students were either happy to stand or were still used to doing it from elementary school, while some students like the freedom of not having to stand and chose not to. The difference in opinions causes conflict between students.

“They just don’t want to stand up,” Hravatic said. “They don’t have a valid reason behind it.”

Students who do not stand for the pledge have many different reasons why they do not. Some like the freedom, some just do not feel like standing, while others have more personal reasons behind it.

“I’ve heard the argument that people don’t stand up because they feel they’ve already pledged themselves to the United States so they feel they don’t have to every day, which I respect, but at the same time, why not?” Hravatic said. “Just stand up.”

Some students who stand for the pledge do not mind what others do. They believe that all students have their own rights.

“I think students should have their own opinion on what they do,” freshman Daisy Hanks said. “It’s a good thing that the school lets them do that.”

In 1943, a law was taken down in Pennsylvania

that required students to say the pledge every morning. It was determined that the law violated students’ rights. Since then, students have had the freedom to decide whether they stand for the pledge or not.

“I think creating the law was a big mistake in the first place,” Hravatic said. “People should get to say the pledge, not have to.”

This court case was one of the largest in country regarding student rights. It was the first that made the students feel as if they had freedom at school. Butler believes that the religious part of the pledge is what challenged student rights.

“We don’t mix religion and government; that’s what our country was founded on,” Butler said. “To have a pledge that is based on religion is overstepping it. But I don’t think it’s wrong to teach kids to have some patriotism because people die for this country.

That’s the part that really concerns me because I feel like they should understand what it means to be faithful to our country.

“For many generations, thousands and thousands of people have given up their lives for this country. Just for that point right there I believe they should be taught that, but to have a law saying that they have to do that is just too far.”

American Legion helps the homeless Sarah Clinkscales ‘15 COPY EDITOR March 21, 2014, Post 48 on Wright Rd. was bustling with people as the American Legion hosted its second dinner for homeless veterans. First-time servers rushed in and out of the kitchen, placing orders and asking the cooks where their food was at. In the dining hall, 17 homeless veterans waited for hearty Howitzer burgers, onion rings and fried mushrooms.

Later that night the veterans would also receive bedding and an envelope with $10. The American Legion hosts events for veterans as often as they can, to celebrate their service and support members of the community.

Seeing so many men who served our country

You have became a part of our family and we are all so proud of all you’ve accomplished while in High School. We know this next chapter in your life will be that much more exciting, you will excel at MSU and soon reach all of your goals in life.

We cannot wait to see you live your dream and travel the world living life to the fullest. Congratulations Emily, celebrate this major accomplishment and good luck speaking at commencement!

- Erica and Your Wilson Family

without a home broke my heart. Community service is the best way to give back to a community that has given me so much, and I have a newfound appreciation for the services of the American military.

So far this year the American Legion has hosted three dinners in total. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) estimates that 131,000 veterans are homeless on any given night.

According to the USDVA, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country. A part of the problem with homeless veterans is that many face psychological trauma like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and few jobs available to them in today’s low job market and hard economic times.

Being a part of this project was amazing. The men and women who are a part of the Auxiliary and Legion, and hold these events, are inspiring.

They go out of their way to get food, hold fun events like “History Quiz,” which has money as a prize for each question answered correctly, give out money, and have a blanket drive for the homeless veterans to take with them after dinner.

One of the things that I enjoy about volunteering to serve at the American Legion dinners is the tight knit community. All the veterans joke with each other and have a good time. They have a bond through shared hardships and dedication to their country. Most needed for homeless veterans is clean bedding that students can donate at Post 48 and volunteers to help cook, clean, or serve dinner.

The next dinner is April 27, and is sponsored by a Vietnam veteran that passed away and donated the money towards this charity event.

Volunteers are welcome, and blanket donations are appreciated.

All photos by Sarah Clinkscales/The Comets’ Tale

ABOVE: Veterans and friends rush to cook burgers, fries and onion rings for a homeless veterans dinner. Waiters put in their orders and pick up food.

LEFT: Homeless veterans gather together and pose for a picture. They had dinner and played quiz games at the American Legion on March 21.

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What it takes to make it Facebook official Feature • May 2014

GLHS student Jane Doe* has heard every warning and lesson STAFF WRITER about online predators and “stranger danger” out there, but that hasn’t stopped her when it comes to the Internet.

It definitely did not stop Doe from befriending and dating someone she met over Facebook.

Doe met John Adams*, both 15, through a Fandom group on the site, which is a group of people that are all fans of similar shows, actors, movies etc. They met three months ago and they became fast friends. They officially became a couple two months later. The only problem is that Adams lives 11,080 miles away in Perth, Australia.

“It’s hard to talk and we have to stay up late usually,” Doe said. “It’s especially hard because of school we can’t stay up until way late like we want to. We can only video chat on the weekends when we don’t have to get up early, and we talk on Facebook when we can.”

Long distance relationships are already difficult to begin with, but adding on the fact that Doe and Adams have not had and actual face-to-face contact; it makes it that much more stressful. As well as others putting stress on them by scolding Doe for her relationship.

“I mean he’s not a creepy 40-year-old hunting girls on the Internet,” Doe said. “I’ve seen him; I’ve seen his face. It shouldn’t matter how far away they are, it should just matter if you love them. Distance doesn’t matter. If I had met him before in person, then it wouldn’t be a big deal to people but because I met him over the Internet it is. He makes me happy and that’s all that matters.”

Adams was originally planning to travel to the United Kingdom then onto the United States over the next year for school opportunities; the two were planning to meet when he got settled into the states. But this plan fell through a few weeks ago, and no new plans have yet been made.

Online dating has become increasingly more popular over the past decade. According to the PewResearch Center, 59 percent of all Internet users agree that “online dating is a good way to meet people,” which is a 15 point rise from the last data in 2005. Also that 42 percent of Americans know an online dater, and 29 percent know someone who has found a spouse or other long-term relationship through online dating. But while over half, 54 percent, of online daters have had a bad or negative experience, the numbers are still rising.

Emily Bellar ‘16

*Names was changed to keep source anonymous

Emily Bellar/The Comets’ Tale

Jane Doe checks to see if she has any notifications on Facebook from her significant other at lunch. Doe met him on a Fandom page, a page where fans of a show can talk about recent developments.

The cost of student spending

When freshman Brooke Rambo NEWS EDITOR started tanning as a seventh grader, she started a cycle that would cost her $50 a month several times a year. Looking for the tan glow that many now consider a beauty sign, Brooke goes to the tanning salon every year in the months before spring break to start her tan before she hits the beaches.

A worker at Perpetual Sun tanning in GL, senior Taylor Bean sees many high school students who go to the salon and pay to tan.

Bean notices many people go every day, and knows first hand how the cost adds up for the customers. Tanning packages start at about $20 a month, so for students who get a package every month it would cost at least $240 a year. Additionally, paying for lotions can cost an average $30 or more, and depending on how much one uses, could be a huge addition to the cost of tanning.

On a regular basis, students or their parents spend a large amount of money on the things they care about - cars or gas, food, gym memberships, phones and many other expenses. For some, these may seem like necessities, but the cost may not match the need - girls tanning several times a week, guys constantly working on improving their cars, and teens in general using several gigabytes of data on their phone every month. According to statisticsbrain.com, $208.7 billion is spent on teens annually, compared to their combined 91.1 billion dollars annual income, leaving parents spending 117.6 billion dollars on food, apparel, personal-care items and entertainment every year.

Another trend for teens is drinking lattes.

Junior Ellie Olds works at Biggby and said that a third of the customers she’s sees are high schoolers.

“Coffees and lattes are sort of ‘in style,’ so whether or not it’s for a caffeine kick, it is cool and fun for friends to chat and hangout in a coffee shop,” Olds said.

Although many argue that drinking these highly caffeinated and sugary drinks on a regular basis could be detrimental to health in addition to being costly, Olds believes that going to coffee shops is a good way to spend time and can outweigh the risks.

“I think that if something makes you happy, like a good latte, it’s worth [the money.]” Olds said.

GLHS’ open-campus policy leads many students to eat fast food for lunch every day.

This expense can add up, being several dollars more expensive than eating in the cafeteria or packing a lunch.

Bry Leach ‘15

“Normally a single person will get a meal with fries and a drink for their order, it’s usually around $6-7,” junior Abby Taylor said, who works at McDonald’s after school.

Taylor says she sees about 7-10 GLHS students as customers during one shift.

“Students like to go to McDonald’s because it’s quick, cheap, and tastes good for the most part,” Taylor said. “Once and a while I think it’s okay to spend your money on, but not on a regular basis.”

Aside from food, many students have recently been interested in buying, selling, and trading shoes. Junior Tieson Graham frequently does, saying he spends $600 a year on shoes, but can also make a $300 profit.

“I like to be different from people and having different shoes is a way to set myself apart,” Graham said about his interest in it. “Plus, I feel like shoes are one of the first things people look at when they see you.”

Like coffee shops, shoes can be a way for students to connect over their interests.

“I think it helps socially because I’ve met a lot of new people through buying and selling shoes,” Graham said.

However, Graham also said that shoes can be a negative impact on some people’s lives.

“If people spend so much time and get caught up in trying to look differently, they forget about the important stuff,” he said.

Teenage girls often admit to having a shopping habit, with 80 percent of them saying shopping is one of their hobbies. Taking 25.6 teens in America into account, Statistics Brain says that 21 percent of them consider themselves unemployed, the same number of teens who are not saving their money.

Whatever it is that they are indulging in, the price for teens’ habits is inevitable - whether it is showing up in their wallets or their parents’ checkbooks.

Illustration by Michael Wilson/The Comets’ Tale

The expense of buying unnecessary items such as expensive shoes, phones, cars and more have become a habit for high school students. Approximately $208.7 billion is spent on teens annual.

Bobby Mitchell/The Comets’ Tale

Senior Zach Darling stands with his 1995 Nissan 240sx. Darling had to travel out to Kalamazoo too buy it. Darling plans to repaint it soon.

Monthly Motors: Zach Darling Zach Darling STAFF WRITER is the proud owner of a 1995 Nissan 240sx (s14), a sports car produced in Japan from 1989 to 1998 to replace the Nissan 200sx, its predecessor.

“This is the car I’ve always wanted,” Darling said. “Before this car, I had an Acura Integra, a 94, it was a 4-door — I liked that car, and it was a good daily driver but I’ve always wanted a 240.

Then when I saw one I just jumped on it, sold the Acura, and that day went and picked up the 240 way out in Kalamazoo.”

Most 240SX’s have a 155hp 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine, which is fairly underpowered and gives them a reputation for being slow. Darling’s has had a redtop SR20DET engine swapped in, a turbocharged 2 liter, dual overhead cam engine producing 202 horsepower. This engine was never legalized in the U.S., so this engine had to be imported and swapped into this car.

Bobby Mitchell ‘15

In stock form, these engines make about 7 pound per square inch of boost; Darling’s car is currently running at about 18-20psi of boost, Which means it is producing a lot more than the stock 202 hp, making it scary fast in a straight line.

“I’ve replaced the suspension in it, it has megan coilovers,” Darling said. “I haven’t got the wheels yet, and interior wise I have a NRG quick release with a Grip Royale wheel, ride Lowmax seat with custom tracks that I made, thats pretty much it, solid subframe bushings. I also did a five lug conversion because it’s not the SE model. I did all the work with help from friends.”

Driving this car is essentially driving a track car, one would feel everything, it is built with the intentions of being a track car, not a comfort car.

“With the solid subframe bushings and the Megan coils it is a stiff ride it is definitely not for the weak hearted,” Darling said. “When you’re in it you feel everything for sure. Before I just had some regular KYB struts and just

some lowering springs and I thought that was stiff, even lowering springs isn’t much different from stock, but its still stiffer, then I just jumped to coils, this is the first set of coils I have owned so it is definitely stiffer so you feel everything, especially on the highway.”

This 240SX doesn’t have that many miles on it either: about 150,000 on the chassis and body. Only 60,000 miles on the engine, and 6,000 on the transmission. Darling did say, although the transmission does not have that many miles, second gear in the transmission is beginning to grind, which means the transmission is already going bad.

“As far as plans for it go, basically wheels and paint are what I’m going for, it has some really crappy paint is on it right now,” he said. “But that will change once it warms up so I can actually get paint to stick on it, plans for wheels” is to run 17 by 9.5 with 15 x 40 federal tires or something like that, and also exhaust.”

Summer internships help prepare students for real-world experiences

While most students spend their summers going to places like Cedar Point, the lake STAFF WRITER or hanging out at the mall, there are plenty of others who are spending their summers working through internships. Most students will go straight into college with no experience in their desired field of study. Students who invest their time in summer projects like internships will help them prepare for what they will experience during and after college. About 86 percent of high school students who take part in a summer internship tend to do better during their first job according to NYU Stern.

When working through an internship there are some things that the student can gain that can help them with finding a job after college.

With being part of an internship they can see how that specific company thinks and feels about certain aspects of how that job is performed, also they will be able to know what part of the job is the most important.

Most internships are done mostly for experience within that field of work, but on the other hand there is always the benefit of being payed.

If the internship is done in a field of work that the student likes, then being paid along with doing work of interest is like a win win situation for them. Although not all companies that offer internships offer pay to Nathan Werner ‘16

their interns.

“I am doing it for experience and to building contacts within MDOT so I can call those contacts if I go into engineering,” sophomore Michael Porter said.

While working through an internship students can learn first hand about a field or industry that they may be looking into as a possible career. Along with this experience comes the knowhow on what is stressed most within that specific career. An internship can also help them further decide whether or not it is the right career path for them to follow and if it is something they can do with little difficulty.

An internship is also I great way to build on a persons social skills.

With working with others and being able to say whether or not they can do a specific task. Although not everyone may feel that they gained any social skills, the chances are that they have but didn’t realize it.

“I’m hoping that working through the internship at MDOT that I will gain at least a little social skills that might help me later on,” Porter said Another plus to an internship is that students can acquire skills that would otherwise not be acquired until they were to graduate college and find a job. One thing would be that they would see what it is like for someone with that job and be able to know what the main focus of the

job is. With knowing that it could help the student direct their focus while in school.

While most likely working in a field of interest to them, students will be able to meet peers with the same interests as them who could eventually be co-workers with them. Another big advantage to an internship is that it can open a student’s eyes to the work world and how it works. Lastly an internship can help a student raise their confidence. With showing how they can work while under pressure and meet a deadline. They can be confident with how they handled it and with their skills in the workplace.

“The internship isn’t like what I want to do as a career, but I’m hoping to build general experience with machine,” Porter said.

While working in an internship a student would also be getting “a foot in the door” at the company they worked with and if they were to perform good during the internship then the company would be more likely to contact them after they graduated college. Students with knowledge they learned prior to their internship will have a chance to apply the knowledge that they had acquired in the real field of work.

They will also be able to see what they don’t fully understand as much as they thought.

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Feature • May 2014

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1 All Photos Courtesy

1: Senior Codie Drake flashes her signature blue eyeliner and flamboyant smile in just one of her many senior pictures taken

by GLHS graduate Alexandra Cross.

2: Drake wears a short, red dress in many of her senior pictures. “I got my dress at JCPenny’s and I love it because it was frilly!” Drake said.

3: “I got my dress at Becker’s Bridal in Potterville,” Drake said.

She also had a matching accessories and eyepaint to finish her

F

or most people, high school is about figuring out who STUDENT LIFE EDITOR you are and what makes you happy. That is especially true for senior Codie Drake. Drake can be seen around the halls of GLHS wearing ingenious outfits of color, detail, that are unique, and can sometimes be seen with feathers in her hair and glitter all over her eyes. Drake is six feet tall and has long, dark brown hair.

She can be a real inspiration to other GL students who are trying to figure themselves out.

“I would describe my style as free,” Drake said. “I express myself and how I am feeling through my clothes and that kind of frees me.”

Drake’s style inspiration starts first thing in the morning. She has different styles based on the mood she is feeling that morning.

“I have two types of styles,” Drake said. “First is like an old fashion/hippie style that is like a normal mood kind of day.”

Some mornings, Drake wants to make a statement—and that is exactly what she does with her “edgy” style.

“The second style is more of an alternative punk,” Drake said.

“For more like a rebel kind of day.”

Drake admits her wardrobe is never perfect because it can glitch just like everyone else’s. Pieces can fall off or things can break.

“I have had days when my outfits malfunction and I fall apart,” Drake said. “Literally! And then I go home and change at lunch.”

Drake does not have to go far away to find the perfect clothes to fit her style. She just goes into a store, finds what she likes, and buys it–just like everyone else.

“I will shop anywhere,” Drake said. “From an antique shop to Macy’s. I just like a good sale and unique clothes.”

Drake likes to wear clothes with a lot of color and a touch of old fashion. One of her many creations included a simple blue dress with a bright red sweater. Drake also added a small yellow belt for a pop of color.

“As a whole, I like [that] outfit because it has a lot of color with things I added to it, like the belt,” Drake said. “The sweater was pretty old fashion so it had a nice theme to it.”

Drake thinks that what she wears to high school can have a big Amy Case ‘16

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homecoming look.

4: Drake wore her varisty Letterman’s jacket in some of her senior pictures. She has completed five total seasons of varisty sports.

5: Drake started wearing both light and dark blue eyeliners two years ago. “I think it really helps bring out different colors in my eyes,” Drake said. impact on her future. What she wears now will make her who she wants to be. Drake plans to have a future packed with living her dreams and helping people in need, so she needs to be free to do whatever is necessary.

“In the future, I am playing basketball at Kentucky Wesleyan [University],” Drake said. “I have thought about fashion merchandising, but we will see because my school does not have it so I might go into business or social work. I want to travel a lot and someday go into the Peace Corps.”

Drake has already accomplished a lot just in her four years at GLHS. She was on Winter Homecoming court her junior year and was nominated her senior year for Fall Homecoming court and won Queen, accompanied by boyfriend senior Justin Hess. Drake wore a blue and silver sparkling dress with a matching purse and jewelry. She painted on eye out like a feather to match her dress.

Drake has been on the varsity basketball team for three seasons and the varsity track team for two seasons. In basketball, she has won a CAAC Honorable Mention All Conference Award and GLHS Best Defensive Player, both for the 2014 season.

People may think that when Drake gets home from school or work she just changes into some sweats and slumps on the couch like most other kids her age, but they are mistaken. Sure, she relaxes, but she is comfortable in what she wears, so she does not have to change to feel relaxed.

A big part of deciding what to wear for most high school-aged kids depends on what other people think. Most will not wear an outfit if they think their friends or other peers will not like it.

Drake just wants to do her own thing and does not care what other people say.

“I never really feel insecure about what I wear,” Drake said. “I don’t want to blend in. I want to be able to start my own trend or style even if it’s a little weird, and it comes naturally to me.”

No matter where Drake goes, she is always making an impact on the world around her, whether it is what she is wearing or what she is doing.

“My advice to people that want to have different clothes is be confident and don’t be scared to try something new or unique,” Drake said. “Just be you—and embrace you!”

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Sophomore takes second at Tri-County talent show Dressed for the ball More than 16 contestants performed in the Tri County Talent Show on Saturday, April 26. One STAFF WRITER of the finalists was freshman Stefani Fleming.

Fleming, who has been playing piano for about 10 years, played a classical piano piece in the showcase. Her current instructor, Mary Rodeck, is just one of the four piano teachers she has had in the last decade.

Fleming heard about the talent show and was not sure if she should perform, but someone very close to her encouraged her to audition.

“My mom said I should join,” Fleming said. “I also thought it would be a good experience and a great way to earn some money.”

The sixth annual Tri County Talent Show took place at Dewitt High School and anyone from grades eight to 12 was welcome to auditions to show off their talents. The top acts were awarded a first, second or third place ranking and were eligible for a cash prize worth up to $500.

Fleming came in second place at the showcase and won $250 dollars. With the money, she plans to put it away in her bank account and save the cash for her college education.

This year, the Tri-County Alcohol Awareness Committee (TCAAC) arranged and hosted the showcase. TCAAC was there to talk about teen abuse with alcohol, drugs, and prescription drugs. During intermission, the audience was able to participate in a survey regarding alcohol, and the Dewitt high school PALS performed skits about how to say “no” if a student is asked to do drugs or drink.

This is the second year in a row that a GL student has competed in the show.

Last year, sophomore Shyanne Bebee competed in the show with her talent, singing. Bebee has been singing as long as she can remember and decided to give the talent show a try because it would be something enjoyable and all of the proceeds from ticket sales goes toward alcohol awareness.

For the audition process, Bebee had to go to Imagine This church in downtown Grand Ledge, and prepare a song to sing in front of the judges.

“You went up and sang your song, and they would tell you to stop when they heard enough,” Bebee said.

Bebee did well in the audition and the judges decided to put her in the showcase to perform in front of the crowd.

From this experience, Bebee got to meet lots of new people and have a brand new experience she had never gotten before.

The talent show overall was an enjoyable experience. The showcase displayed everything from magicians to dancers, and the committee really outdid themselves by involving the audience and giving away multiple prizes like wristbands and gift cards.

Both Bebee and Fleming had an amazing time in the talent show and would enjoy participating in more shows in the future.

“I would love to do a talent show again,” Bebee said.

Angela Pontius ‘16

All Photos by Angela Pontius/The Comets’ Tale

Top: Bath High School sophomore Maya De Leon preforms a ballet at the showcase. De Leon was a finalist in the show.

Bottom: Freshman Stefani Fleming plays a classic piano piece in the showcase. Fleming came in second place at the show and won a $250 cash prize.

High school girls from all over Michigan were given the opportunity STAFF WRITER of a lifetime. On Saturday, March 15, Cinderella’s Closet in Eastwood Town Center opened their doors to the young teens at approximately 10 in the morning and shut the gates to the castle when the clock struck two. Cinderella’s Closet is a non-profit event that gives high school girls the honor to pick out a gently used gown that were donated and take it home for free.

The event could not have been possible without the help of volunteers and local businesses. Throughout the months of February and March, Townsquare Media Radio Studios and Cinderella’s Closet had been collecting gently used prom and evening gown dresses from local teens. Radio and television stations were also doing their part by promoting the affair. During the event, Francesca’s Alterations and Delta Flowers were on hand to help with tasks like heming the dresses and ordering boutonnieres and corsages. Faucett Photography was also present to promote information about senior portraits.

GLHS juniors Brianna Wey and Analisa Gordon attended Cinderella’s Closet to find their dream prom dresses. The two juniors were only a fraction of the girls who attended the event. They stood in line for a total of four hours straight, and by the time they left the line was stretched around the building. Wey was the 30th person in line out of 100, and the two juniors tried on a handful of dresses.

Wey in particular admired the concept of collecting dresses and giving them away.

“If someone could not afford to or did not want to spend hundreds on a dress, they didn’t have to,” Wey said. “I think it’s amazing that they give girls that opportunity.” Both girls would definitely attend Cinderella’s Closet again next year and even donate some of their own dresses.

Gordon and Wey, as well as other juniors and seniors, are excited to hang out with close friends and create memories that will last a life time.

Prom is an occasion that most teens get to go to once or twice in their lifetime.. Cinderella’s Closet helped hundreds of High school girls find a dream gown that each of them will cherish forever. It is heartwarming to know that a community can come together and do something wonderful for young teens. As they say in Cinderella, “For with each dawn, she found new hope that someday, her dreams of happiness would come true.”

Angela Pontius ‘16

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SWELTERING HALLS

Feature • May 2014

Poor outside conditions cause school to overheat due to lack of air conditioning

There is no hiding the fact that as the temperature outside rises, so does the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF number on the thermostat in nearly every classroom at the high school.

During the day, students and teachers struggle to concentrate due to the excessive heat. In some cases, teachers have had to hold their class in another teacher’s room during their planning period due to the inadequate temperature.

Both teachers and students have responded to classrooms being too warm, but are unsure what plans are going to be made about fixing these issues. As of the last week of May, these problems still persist.

During this past winter, residents of Michigan faced temperatures well below zero degrees, major snow storms that produced power outages, and severe road conditions. With winter lasting well into the middle of April, the school was forced to keep the heaters on longer than usual to keep the school warm. As the winter season started to come to an end the heaters were shut off, but hot air was still blowing out of the vents. According to superintendent Brian Metcalf, there were mechanical issues that needed to be addressed before the heating could be fixed.

“The issue was that we had mechanical failures with the air compressor, which caused the vents to close,” Metcalf said. “When the vents close, that meant we were recirculating hot air and that was for about an entire week.”

While the school district had the ability to shut of the heaters, there was a delay in being able to turn on the coolers due to the weather fluctuating so much.

“We cannot turn the chillers on at this point when it is still a freeze potential,” Metcalf said during a press conference on May 2. “What will happen is we fill it with water and it will freeze and that will actually cause damage to the cooling tower and then we won’t have air conditioning the rest of the year. So there is a period of time where we say ‘we would really like to have the air conditioning on but it is still going to freeze at night so we can’t turn it on quite yet.’”

While many students blamed administration for not turning the heaters off, this was not the actual problem. The actual issue was that maintenance was not able to turn on the air conditioning due to inadequate temperatures inside and outside of the building. “[The air conditioning] is based on the inside and outside temperatures,” Metcalf said. “If it is not 65 degrees outside, the air conditioning will not run.”

The heat has not been a result of just the heat outside, but it has become a way for the district to save money. Instead of running appliances all day every day, they have decided to reduce costs by shutting off appliances at night.

Krystin Verran ‘14

“We have identified that the district can save a significant amount of money (about $300,000 a year) by reducing the hours that the fans and vents are running,” Metcalf said. “In the past we have run them 24/7 but the reality is that it is like running a fan at home while nobody is home. What we didn’t know is that there were a number of mechanical issues that would have to be addressed as well to have the system run like it is supposed to run.”

Some of these mechanical issues included repairing the air compressor, that had broken down, repair some of the heating and cooling units in the classrooms and install individual units in classrooms. If the bond vote had passed, the school district was going to replace the entire chilling system. While this may have been a lot of money, the district had planned on paying for this with the bond. Since the bond vote failed on May 6, the school is looking for other ways to fund this heating.

While the fans were an option to keep the school cooler than it was when the chillers were not able to be run, it was not a total solution for the heat. Since the heat became an issue throughout the school, the district has bought about 30 fans to accommodate the heat. Purchasing these fans not only meant an additional cost to the school, but also an additional distraction due to the noise of the fans.

Due to the chillers being turned off, classes became scorching hot, in some rooms reaching at or above 90 degrees. Classrooms such as English teacher Jennifer Pippin’s and math teacher Carly Sharland’s rooms were no exception for this heat.

“There have been days that it’s so hot that the temperature needle does not register on the wall thermostat, it is as far off to the right side as it will go,” Sharland said.

With the extreme temperatures, teachers have been forced out of their room multiple times, causing an issue for learning. Not only have the teachers been having problems with having the proper resources to teach, but they have also noticed a lack of attention from students.

“It is very challenging for students to stay focused in a hot room,” Pippin said. “Students struggle with being sleepy when the room is hot.”

Not only have teachers been seeing students fall asleep in class due to the temperature, but they have also experienced students being overly grumpy and distracted. But the heat is not the only aspect of this heating issue that students are complaining about.

“The air blowing out of the vent has a very pungent mildewy smell, which students are always quick to complain about,” Sharland said.

However, some people feel that this is just a created disturbance by students and teachers.

Other schools throughout Michigan have no air conditioning,

and during the summer months, the school can reach up to 90 to 95 degrees. For some, they believe that since we are fortunate enough to have the extremities to keep the school cool, when these machines break down and cause a heat wave through the school, it would cause more of a distraction than it would without chillers.

“I think [the heat] can be [a distraction], but it can also be a created distraction,” Metcalf said. “In other words, when I was in school, and even when I was teaching a few years back, we didn’t have air conditioning and when it was 85, it was 85 and we kind of looked at it and said ‘yeah, it’s warm but here we go.’ When we are used to 75 or 72 and then it is 85 it is like the world is coming to an end and I am not sure that is necessarily a reality.”

Shortly before spring break, the school was finally able to turn on the coolers due to the weather being above freezing for a steady period of time. However, there are still many areas of the school that are warmer than others. The maintenance staff has been working hard to figure out a solution, but in the meantime, teachers have been trying to find their own solutions to cool down their rooms. Whether it is by opening the windows for exterior classrooms or propping doors open, a solution for the heat has not been found.

“I have tried all of the recommended suggestions made by maintenance,” Sharland said. “Currently, a fan is the only supplemental tool that we have to try and keep air circulating.

The maintenance team and administration have been working on the situation; however, there has not been a solution yet. As with many interior rooms, the heating/cooling situation is finicky and complicated.”

While many interior classrooms are struggling with the heat, other classrooms are experiencing temperatures on the other end of the spectrum. Walking from class to class, some students experience going from an overly hot room to an overly cold room.

During the school day, students struggle to find a happy medium, but this is not all due to the air conditioners.

“Many parts of the building were built in the early ‘60s, which causes these appliances to wear out and become not as efficient,” principal Steve Gabriel said. “The way the building was designed does not let air flow properly. It is about a quarter mile from corner to corner.”

Whether the classrooms are overly hot or very cold, teachers understand that the maintenance staff is working very hard to fix the issues.

“I am thankful for all of the time and effort the maintenance and administration has put into trying to find out the cause of the heating and cooling problems,” Sharland said. “I believe that they are looking into fixing the heating/cooling problem over the summer months.”

Poor design of school causes airflow issues The

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cost of attending a “cool school”

What some classroom temperatures have reached.

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GL District policy for how hot classrooms can be

68 GL District policy

•From one corner to the other, it is about that the air must flow through the school.

for how cold classrooms can be

1/4 mile

•Due to the way the school was designed, rooms such as the art hall classrooms, history classrooms and math classrooms struggle to get decent air flowing through the rooms, causing excessive heat.

•Areas such as the cafeteria and gym have been cooler than the rest of the school due to placements of the rooftop fans.

Illustration by Sarah Sims/The Comets’ Tale

Freezing in the air conditioner Temperature above 32 degrees: During the normal temperatures, the school district can turn on the air conditioning without the fear of pipes freezing inside the air conditioning unit.

Temperature below 32 degrees: Causes a possibility for the pipes to freeze inside the air conditioning unit.

Water

Warm Air

Dust Filter

Cool Air Illustration right: In a typical evaporative cooler, the chillers take in the hot air that is circulating around the room, runs it through the dust filter with cold water and distributes cool air throughout the room. This type of chiller is similar to the ones that are used at GLHS. Illustration by Krystin Verran/The Comets’ Tale

Water Tank

Cooling Pad Water Pump

During the warm months of the year, the school runs fans, heaters and air compressors to cool down the school.

However, as these are run 24/7, the electrical and heating costs skyrocket.

Due to the heat, the school has had to pur-

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chase fans to cool the school.

By reducing the time the chillers and fans are run during the day can save the district roughly

$300,000 a year.

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District wide food drive ends with success

Student Life • May 2014

Bobby Mitchell ‘15 STAFF WRITER

This year the third annual GLPS spring food drive Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP) brought in $1,300 in cash and $400 in gift cards. About 10,000 items were donated, helping out many of the local families in need.

The Feed GL Spring Food Drive is put on by English teacher Jeff Belding who is also the vice president of GLEAP. “I like food; I think everyone should have it,” Belding said.

“A few years back, it came to our attention that there were students in the high school that were homeless, and/ or weren’t eating during the day because their families couldn’t afford to buy enough food. No one should have to go through a day like that, so we decided to do something about it.”

Junior Katt Gonzalez worked with Belding to help set up the food drive this year “Without Katt, the food drive would not have been run this year. She was instrumental in making this happen,” Belding said.

Katt worked hard to set up the food drive almost by herself.

“Because of how busy Mr. Belding was without a planning period during first tri, I had to do a lot of the planning and technical stuff,” Gonzalez said. “I made an agenda for the food drive, helped out with volunteers, designed posters, the works.

Anything I needed to do to make it happen I did.”

This experience has been good for Gonzalez, giving some first-hand experience setting up an event like this.

“I think it was interesting to see an idea become reality”

Gonzalez said. “Making something like this happen wasn’t easy, especially while doing most of the technical things myself, but it was worth it, and me and Mr. Belding plan on working on the Food Drive next year - maybe with a bit more preparation this time, now that I have some experience.”

The food drive volunteers helped sort all the food and box in to be sent to the food bank.

Last year’s statistics from GLEAP, shows that 130 families a month, or 5,313 individuals a year need assistance for medical bills, household bills, food and more. Specifically 743 individuals face hunger and cannot pay for groceries.

“Last year in the high school there were around 18 or 20 kids that we helped,” Belding said.

GLEAP connects families to organizations such as the American Red Cross, Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, Capital Area Community Service, Grand Ledge Food and Clothing Bank, and SIREN/Eaton Shelter. GLEAP will work with programs like these to provide monetary assistance for rent and utilities payments, food, medicine, personal care, and/or transportation needs. The most direct way to contact GLEAP for information is through their branch at United Methodist Church, you can call them at (517) 627-3256. GLEAP also has a pamphlet in the counseling office with additional contact numbers and services.

“It would be easiest for students to get information from GLEAP in the counseling office,” Belding said.

“Mrs. Anderson can direct you to the right place.”

All photos by Katt Gonzalez /The Comets’ Tale

After the March food drive, Grand Ledge’s local food bank was stocked with various amounts of products. The food bank is typically bare after the holiday season where families seek the most need. Although, for food banks, the holiday seasons are busy, food is still needed every day for families hit hard by the current economic times.

School’s dress code revisited in latest PBIS presentation

Before the competition, Castillo-Robles sat down with Platt and wrote out a business plan for the competition. On the day of the competition, the two students presented their business proposal for the judges.

ReplEAT moved on to the next round of the competition, as well as two other business proposals.

Some advice for students who would like to become entrepreneur someday is to write down your ideas on paper and create an action plan.

“It is amazing how many people have great ideas but because they are scared or nervous they don’t even try to pursue making them

work,” Schauben said. “Put a plan down on paper, with simple steps to accomplish that plan and then do it!”

Castillo-Robles wants to become an entrepreneur and start his own business.

“Meeting new people and hearing their stories drives me to fulfill this dream,” CastilloRobles said.

Schauben said we have so many talented young adults at GLHS, the ones who will be successful in life are those that go out and accomplish their dreams. One of his favorites quotes for this topic is by Peter Drucker saying “the best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Next year’s RESA openings

GLHS juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn free college credits while still in high school. The Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) Career Preparation Center STAFF WRITER accepts students every year from GLHS and other area schools for a variety of subjects, and there are still openings for the 2014-2015 school year that Eaton RESA is looking to fill. Students will spend half of their school day in their Career Preparation Center class, at either LCC West campus, LCC Downtown campus, Davenport College, AIS Construction, Potter Park Zoo, or Farm Bureau Insurance, depending on their chosen program of study. All Career Preparation Center classes count toward high school elective and senior math credit, along with the ability to earn college credits. The following subjects still have openings for the 2014-2015 school year: Bry Leach ‘15

-Auto Technology (p.m.)

-CAD/Pre-Engineering (a.m.)

-Construction technology (a.m.)

-Criminal justice (a.m. and p.m.)

-Emergency services/Fire science (a.m.)

-Financial management and Accounting (a.m.)

-Heavy equipment and Repair (p.m.)

-Insurance and Risk management (a.m.)

-Law enforcement (a.m.)

-Mechatronics and Robotics (a.m.)

-Mobile app and Web Development (p.m.)

* If you would like to sign up or get more information about any of the classes, please see your counselor or Ms. Algrim in the main office.

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Photo Left: A view of the outside of the local food bank were the food was donated from the schools.

S. Clinton St.

The season obey the law, get it out so that we can focus, for shorts and but if its not a distraction, don’t make it a STAFF WRITER tank tops is here, distraction,” teacher Justin Heany said.

Many people are questioning if the and that means talking about dress code. Since the PBIS dress code is fair for both male and female (Positive Behavior Intervention System) students. The presentation on the school’s guidelines tended to focus on presentation, there has been female styles of dress more a lot of talk about how fair or than male styles of dress. unfair the school’s policy is, “I would agree it probably but with 1700 students and leans heavily towards female more than 100 staff members, students, but I think that has a it would be impossible to lot to do with styles as well. If find something that everyone boys were wearing short shorts agrees with and finds practical.

I guess that would be one of the The dress code’s main purpose focuses as well,” Gabriel said. is to create an environment for Style of dress has a lot to do academic success and prevent with the dress code and what disruptions from occurring. the administration focuses on While at school, staff and when they enforce the policy. students need to be focused “If a lady can’t wear a tank on schoolwork and not be top and show side and we allow distracted by someone else’s clothing choices.

Taylor Kennaugh /The Comets’ Tale guys to show side, then I have a problem with that,” Heany “We need to maintain an environment where all people Dress code is part of said.

The styles now tend to make feel comfortable, and in some the high school’s Comcases it is necessary for health et Pride, and freshmen it harder for female students and safety reasons,” principal Cassidy Clevenger and to follow the dress code, but Michael Nottager are that does not mean that they Steve Gabriel said.

Although there will be no in full support of the are excused from following the rules. set changes to the GLHS dress school’s program.

“When young women want code, staff will be focusing on to be culturally trendy and enforcing the policies that have fashionable, the culture and the trends set been in the student handbook for years.

“I am very much looking forward to them up to violate this. I think it’s a lot harder the school dress code being enforced,” for a young lady to obey this dress code than teacher Sheri Tulloch said. “I think that it is for a young man,” Heany said.

Students who do violate the school’s policy some students have been making some inappropriate clothing choices that are will be given the opportunity to change distracting for everyone. As I preach to my their clothing for that school day. These changes can be made by making adjustments girls, a little mystery goes a long way.”

The main focus of the dress code is to at school, wearing an article of clothing prevent students from wearing clothing or borrowed from the school, or going home to accessories that sidetrack other students. change. Students may be required to spend Any clothing that will disrupt the educational the rest of the day in in-school suspension setting or affect the ability of others to focus if they do not change their clothing when asked. Continuing to violate the policy will on their work will not be allowed.

“I think everyone needs to be focused on result in appropriate disciplinary measures. the distraction element, if it’s a distraction, Taylor Kennaugh ‘16

Photo Above: The food bank in Grand Ledge is stocked up after a district wide food drive. Every day there was a different theme of items that students from all schools were encouraged to donate.

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Senior Oscar Night shows overall class Student Life • May 2014

In the past decade, GLHS has offered the NEWS EDITOR tradition of Senior Oscar Night - an annual event for seniors to dress up, entertain each other, mingle and most notably unveil the winners of the mock elections. From “Best Dancer” to “Most Likely to Make a Difference,” all 57 categories showcase the senior guy or girl that the graduating class thought represented it the most.

The event was started in 2005 by former GLHS teacher and Student Council advisor Kristen Luna. In those nine years, the event has seen many changes, challenges and growth.

When Luna started it, she saw it as a way to celebrate the senior class’ individuality through the awards and talent presented.

“My vision was really to bring the seniors together in an unconventional way to celebrate the unique characteristics, talents and even eccentricities of the class,” Luna said. “Every class has a unique culture and Senior Oscars is a great way to bring everyone together one last time in a fun atmosphere before graduation, which is also celebratory, but far more serious.”

Principal Steve Gabriel has seen several years of Senior Oscars, and has noticed the different classes changing it over time.

“When it started, it was much less about the awards and much more about the show, there was a lot of work that was put into the performances,” Gabriel said. “It was almost like a talent show for the senior class, between every couple of awards there was singing and dancing - it’s kind of changed from that,” Luna said that when she planned it, she tried to have 20 award categories and 5-7 talent acts, having one in between every three awards or so. This outline was successful for her to use her first year at GLHS and on after that.

“We had amazing talented students, hilarious and well liked emcees and presenters that did a great job of creating fun and unique scripts,” Luna said. “The winners also had great acceptance speeches that made the night very memorable for all. The crowd did a great job of keeping the ‘class’ of the Oscars by dressing formal, but not taking it too serious. Lots of sunglasses, recycled prom dresses, suit coats and shorts, etc. I still show my current student council’s Oscars committee the DVD of the first show because there is so much they can learn from it.”

Bry Leach ‘15

Video production teacher Tracy Clark now plans the event with her class along with Student Council.

She has been involved in different forms for the past six years. In those years, it has gone from being a Student Council event to three years ago being run by the Video Production class. The funds have been tossed between Student Council, the senior class, and Video Production class in combinations for any given year, depending on who helped plan it.

When she started working on it alongside Student Council, it was planned as an event that was focused on the awards, not the performances, so that is how Clark has kept it.

“I feel it is more about the awards now,” Clark said.

“We are trying to incorporate more performances every year, to make it more entertaining.”

This year, there were six performances during the show. Although performances are encouraged throughout the event, Alexander says it is “usually like pulling teeth to try to find acts.” She accredits this to a lack of students interested in showcasing their talents in recent years.

During the first Senior Oscar Night, technical disadvantages lead to some issues, however Luna still referred to it as “outstanding.”

“The first Oscar Night was a bit of a scramble to put together because none of us had done it before and technology was far more rudimentary than it is today,” Luna said. “ I remember having trouble with video production and sound the day before and the day of the event. Even though we started preparations as far back as October prior to the April event, there were many unforeseeable issues that had to be troubleshot as the event went on as well as years after to avoid the first show pitfalls.”

Many schools today still have basic mock elections for students. When Luna and her student council members decided to start the event in ‘03-’04, they got the idea from Ovid-Elsie. She has taken the idea to her current school, West Ottowa, and knows that Granville also hosts an event like GLHS’.

The first program at GLHS was not only a success in terms of planning and set up, but students showed up from the beginning, which is uncommon for many new events that student council hosts here.

“I was pleasantly surprised that it was very popular right away,” Luna said. “With some events that Student Councils put on, it takes a year or two before it catches fire. However, with Senior Oscars it was well attended from year one and continued to be so until I left in 2007.”

Kaitlin Irish/The Ledge

Senior Christian Cissel on drums, sophomore Steven Klingbiel and senior Justin Hess on guitar sing a song and play their instruments while performing at Senior Oscar Night. There were several different acts that went on during the award ceremony.

Although many students show up to support the event, administration and teachers see issue with it when the focus of awards is towards physical characteristics like “dreamiest eyes, best pockets, [or] craziest hair.”

“It was encouraged to stay away from those kinds of categories and stick with attributes of character instead of strictly physical attributes,” Luna said.

“The idea is to honor as many unique characteristics as possible, not just a small group of students. Axing physical characteristics from the category list helps to do this.”

However, on this year’s list, 12 of the 57 student elected categories could be considered physical characteristics. “Best pockets” is one commonly debated attribute, at GLHS and some other schools, that has typically made the list. Gabriel was a senior at GLHS in 1985, 20 years before the event started, however, his class did have mock elections for the yearbook, which he admits had worse categories than we do now.

“A lot of my input over the years has been about

toning [mock elections] down,” principal Steve Gabriel said. “It used to be worse, my senior year we had most likely to drink a keg, so we’ve changed a lot of things.”

Clark and Gabriel work every year to sensor the awards and make sure no students are embarrassed by them.

“A couple of years ago, we pulled out quite a few of the categories that were more risqué and just not necessary,” Clark said. “We have also modified to try to limit categories that are too similar. We have also tried to incorporate ‘teacher/department’ nominated categories.”

This year’s Oscar Awards were held on May 14 in the auditorium. Although students noted some of their peers’ unethical behaviors at the event, Clark and Alexander are hoping students in the classes to follow will be better mannered. They anticipate Senior Oscar Night to go on in the future as it has the past 10 years, and that it will continue to be the fun and positive event that it has been since it’s introduction in 2004.

Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock gives helpful college tips

Jackson Vanderlaan/The Comets’ Tale

On Thursday March 13 Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock spoke at a press conference for student journalists. Babcock talked about taking advantage of college, and being able to change your major to reflect what you love doing.

As college approaches for many students, Jackson Vanderlaan ‘16 the fear of not being able to get a job, or getting stuck in a job you detest for the rest of your life, STAFF WRITER is a real concern. But this should not be a fear for people that take advantage of college.

“Most colleges require at least one work internship to graduate,” hockey editor of the Michigan Daily Michael Caples said. “I worked a fulltime internship with the Detroit Red Wings the duration of my college experience and along the way I swept up an internship with MSU.” Caples also freelanced and blogged about hockey during his college career. While it was a lot of hard work, it paid off —Caples is now the Michigan Hockey Editor. Part of what made Caples so successful was the advantage of multiple internships. With multiple internships comes broader job experiences, thus making a college degree look even more appealing to potential employers.

In today’s economy, employers are trying to save money; if an applicant comes to them just out of college with only one type of job they can do, and another applicant comes that can do multiple jobs, an employer is going to make the choice that will save them money. The only way that someone could survive in this kind of environment is if they absolutely love what

they do.

“You’re not supposed to know what you’re going to do with the rest of your life, because you haven’t done anything yet,” Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said. “It’s okay if you change your major after the first, second or third year [of college].”

While this might seem like a waste of money and time, this would have saved a lot of people the stress of being stuck in a job they hate for the rest of their lives and an education that is completely wasted. Internships in college will also give a student a leg up on their peers by being able to and get to know potential employers, and for other companies to get to know them.

“I ran quotes for other writers who were on deadline,” sports columnist Bob Duff said. “It got my foot in the door, and from there I got a job with a magazine in Toronto.”

From there Duff got his job at the Windsor Star, where he works now.

But it takes passion to do that, and if a potential employee does not have that passion they are not going to work at it. Employers want and will look for these traits in potential employees. The Wisconsin Job Center lists enthusiasm and being well-motivated in their list of qualities an employer looks for.

Early graduate gets head start in career

Think of moving from one country to another: different language, STAFF WRITER culture, food. Think how difficult and overwhelming it would be to learn a whole new language and meeting all new people. Costa Rican junior, Kim Cook, moved to the United States three years ago, with no knowledge of the English language. Coming to the U.S., Cook knew no one but her mother, sister and her stepfather—but with her strong personality, ambition, and determination she managed to get through it all.

“The move was sort of hard on me,” Cook said. “After three months, the summer passed and I had to start middle school. I knew this would be a challenge because I had to start learning a brand new language all by myself.”

All of Cook’s hard work really paid off though. She learned the language in just three short years and even managed to be a candidate for early graduation.

“I do not regret choosing to graduate early,” Cook said. “I won’t be able to walk with next year with the [2014 senior class,] but I will already be one year into college at LCC at that time.”

Cook spent a vast amount of time working hard and managing her life, getting things together, and preparing for the real world.

She completed online classes, “E2020,” and even on her snow days she spent her days productively—getting ahead on school work and studying.

E2020 teacher Kareem Downer-Shojgreen has seen Cook’s determination first hand.

“Kim Cook is one of the hardest working people I know,” Downer-Shojgreen, said. “She is not pleased with average.”

Everybody has ambition for something.

Cook’s was to graduate early.

“If I were to graduate in 2015 like the rest of my classmates, I would already be 20-years-old because when I moved here I went down two grades,” Cook said. “Another thing is I want to be a dentist. That means I need a doctor’s degree and that’s a long time in college, so I wanted to get a head start.”

Although she may say that graduating early is great, she said there was one downfall to it.

“I wanted to play soccer,” Cook said. “But it would take time away from me getting ahead in my classes and I really do wish I could’ve done it.”

But it was a sacrifice she was willing to make.

“Yes, I do think she will succeed later on in the adult life,” Downer-Shojgreen said.

“And along with that success will come many great things in the future for Kim Cook.”

Alicia Degroat ‘16

We are so proud of all you have accomplished. We know you will have great success in your future.

Love you,

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Student Life • May 2014

Career prep center students build for a cause

Over the course of 12 days, 13 students from the Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) Alternative Energy NEWS EDITOR and Building Trade class worked for a real-life client on a construction job - a child’s playhouse. The students, four of whom go to GLHS, were asked to do the assignment by the Lansing Home Builders Association (HBA), who also drew up blueprints for the students. When the product was finished, it was showcased at the Lansing Home and Garden show on the MSU pavilion where it was then raffled off. “[This project] gave the students an opportunity to construct a real life project for a real life client with a real time schedule,” RESA teacher Scott DeRuischer said. “When the project was complete, the students were able to have their work on public display, allowing them to show to their friends and family the excellent project they helped complete.”

The playhouse, which was 6’ x 6’ large and 4’ tall, was made with materials that were all donated by Eikenhout Inc., Fox Brothers Company, Lumbertown, MPC Cashway Lumber and Wimsatt Building Materials. Almost $200 was raised through raffle tickets, which was split between the HBA & Eaton RESA. The students got effective practice using drills, hammers and saws to complete the house, and were given building materials as a donation. The work focused on general carpentry/residential building skills, which the students can use if they choose to go on in the construction field, energy, .

Senior Christian Cissel is in the RESA class, and hopes to use the real-life skills he earned from the assignment towards his career in construction.

“Working on the playhouse provided me with knowledge on what to expect working on the site of a house,” Cissel said. “All the cuts were made with portable saws, everything we used was supposed to reenact building on the site. Working on this project provided knowledge on framing, roofing, window installation, sidings, etc.”

Classes at RESA give students credits toward high school graduation, and in some cases, towards a college degree. All of the classes have a career focus, and are meant to give students a first-hand knowledge in that area.

“This project was a great way to connect classroom learning with hands-on experience,” DeRuischer said. “As small as this project may have been, it allowed the students to experience many of the basics of home construction.”

The class has been taught in four sections this year, all focusing on different aspects of residential building. They have learned about heating, ventilating and air conditioning, residential electricity, residential construction and alternative energy. The playhouse was made as part of the construction segment, along with a bench in memory of two students who died in another RESA program.

Bry Leach ‘15

All photos courtesy

Top: Junior Gabe Ferman measures part of the playhouse. The project was done by the Alternative Energy and Building trade class at LCC. The house was on display at the Lansing Home and Garden show, where it was raffled off to the public.

Far right: Junior Caleb Gallimore works on part of the playhouse.

Middle: Senior Michael Mesler stands by the project.

Far left: Junior James Duell poses with the finished house.

Homeschooling is not for all Grease Lightenin’ hits GLHS auditorium There are many families who think about, or commit to, home STAFF WRITER schooling. Sophomore John Doe* is one student who made the decision to leave traditional schooling and go the less traveled route of taking his classes at home. The number of students who are homeschooled has been growing in the recent years. A report by the Department of Education’s National Center for Education (NCES) showed that the number of homeschooled students has grown by almost 300,000 since 2007.

“Homeschooling has been a really good experience for me,” Doe said. “It was a little tough to get used to it at first, but now that I have been doing it for awhile I’m really starting to like it.”

Over the past few years Doe had started to feel that homeschooling wasn’t a good fit for him and he and his family had been thinking about homeschooling as an option. After spring break, during Doe’s freshman year, he and his family decided to finally commit to doing home schooling and they have been very happy with their decision since.

“I enjoy being able to have more freedom,” Doe said. “With home schooling, if there is something you understand very well, you can fly right through it.”

One thing that Doe and many other people worry about while considering homeschooling is that there is not as much of a chance to work and socialize with other people as there is in public schooling, but what many people do not know is there are sessions and group classes that are available where home schooled students can meet and talk about what they have learned. The group discussion provides the experience of a classroom that can be beneficial to students without sacrificing being able to move at your own pace while learning.

Doe has been participating in classes with other homeschooled students every week and has had a really good experience doing it.

“The thing about homeschooling that I worried about was that I wouldn’t be able to see my friends anymore,” Doe said.

“I still see my old friends a lot, I actually became more social after I started doing homeschooling. Right away, I made a bunch of friends in the group classes that I started doing.”

Overall, Doe feels that switching to homeschooling has been an improvement over public schooling but admits that getting started was tough. Doe’s parents had little information about homeschooling and got started through the help of a friend who had been homeschooling for several years.

Doe left GLHS after spring break his freshman year and was relieved to have some more control over his schooling.

“Having the freedom to learn at my own pace and focus on things I liked sounded great to me,” Doe said. “I just didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be to get into the flow of homeschooling mainly because I left before I finished my freshman year.”

Doe had to finish out his freshman year and complete his exams outside of school. It was a difficult transfer for Doe and his parents seeming how it was their first experience of homeschooling. Now that Doe and his family have been doing homeschooling for almost a year, things are going a lot smoother.

“The way that homeschooling works is a lot more intuitive, in my opinion, than traditional schooling,” Doe said. “It’s a lot easier to understand topics for me when its moving at a pace good for me. One thing I really like is that instead of having a test every one or two weeks, like we did in public school, I take a test every one to two days so the topic is fresher in my mind, and I can focus more on a few things at one time rather than such a broad topic.”

For Doe, after he was able to overcome the rough start that he had beginning homeschooling, he has been able to explore the benefits and possibilities that homeschooling has to offer. He feels homeschooling is not for everyone but it is definitely an option that has a lot to offer for some.

Allen Hendrick ‘16

GLHS senior Kayleigh Merz is an example of a student who felt that homeschooling wasn’t for her. Merz moved from homeschooling to public schooling for her 7th grade year. She felt that she wanted to try something new and see what the environment was like in a public school.

“I like the social interaction, I also like the activities that you have access too in [the public school system],” Merz said. “I didn’t have access to the activities I wanted to do because I was at home. In public school I’ve been able to do musicals, sports and be in a bunch of culture clubs which I couldn’t do in homeschooling.”

Being able to talk things over and having a social aspect with a group of other students can be very beneficial to some students learning. In public schooling Merz feels that social interaction and being able to discuss topics and certain subjects with other students is a big benefit that homeschooling lacks.

“I think that definitely with English classes and stuff like that its a lot better, you get more perspectives that can be helpful,” Merz said. “I think that I benefited a lot by being able to ask people their opinions.”

There are many things that are unique to homeschooling and public schooling that can be beneficial to certain people.

Even though Merz likes public schooling a lot better then homeschooling, she still has some things that she misses from being homeschooled.

“I miss being able to sleep in,” Merz said. “I also miss being able to move at my own pace and doing what I think is best for me and being in that comfortable environment.

Sometimes you feel nervous in public school and there is a lot of stress, homeschooling is a lot less stressful.”

Even though homeschooling was not a good fit for Merz, she thinks that there are some people who can benefit from homeschooling over public schooling.

“I think someone with learning disabilities could benefit from homeschooling,” Merz said. “One of my brothers has a learning disability so it benefits him a lot to have my mom helping him because she understands him and how he learns.”

Making the choice between public school and homeschool can be a tough decision for some people to make. The number of people making the choice to be homeschooling is growing in the United States as it becomes a more realistic option for parents. In the end what’s best comes down to how you learn and what sort of environment works well for each individual. *source requested to remain anonymous

Allen Hendrick/The Comets’ Tale

Senior Kayleigh Merz plays in the band at GLHS after joining public schools. She started to attend public schools to gain more oppurtunities that she could not have homeschooling

Rachel Rayl ‘15

FEATURE EDITOR Students planning to participate in the 2014 fall musical all filed into the Sun Theater on April 18 to await the surprise movie reveal of the production they would be doing this fall. Going through multiple musical choices, director Tracy Clark decided on “Grease.” Given only two weeks to learn six songs from the famous 1971 musical, the students auditioned on May 1 and 2, and the students selected to audition for leads took on call backs on May 6.

Most of the students who received leads in “Beauty and the Beast” will also be leading Courtesy Photo this fall’s musical. Junior El- Grease has been chosen for the Fall 2014 musical at lie Olds (Mrs. Potts) will be GLHS. Auditions were held in the auditorium this May, and playing Sandy, junior Rachel nearly 100 students were chosen to be in the large-castRayl (Belle) will be playing ed show. Costumes will be made over the summer, and Rizzo, and junior George when students return in the fall they will start rehearsing Marshall (Cogsworth) will be before the November shows. playing Danny. Their counterparts, junior Miranda Seigo (Sandy) and sophomore Olivia Conaty (Rizzo), are new to having a lead role. Marshall will be single-casted, as he was in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Some of the newer faces have also been involved in the past musicals, but some of them have given up the fall sports they were involved in to take on their lead. Junior Jake Wilson and sophomore Steven Klingbiel gave up their spots on the GL soccer team for their role of Kenickie. Also, junior Miranda Seigo dropped volleyball for her role of Sandy.

“I feel like there is more unity in musicals than soccer,” Klingbiel said. “I’m going to miss soccer for sure, but I think I am more successful in the music programs. Everyone here is committed and we all just work so well together to get things done.”

With auditions being finished in the spring, the cast members have sufficient time to learn all the songs and lines before the end of the summer, which leaves rehearsal in the fall to blocking and choreography. This spring, a full-cast rehearsal was scheduled for May 27 to learn all the choreography of “We Go Together,” the main all-cast dance at the end of the first act to memorize over the summer, as well. “Grease” also has been moved to this spring to allow time for the costume director, science teacher Erin Marsh, enough time to design and make all of the costumes. Most of the 92 cast members have two or more costumes that will be hand-made by Marsh by the end of the summer.

“We are all very excited,” Olds said. “All of us, including the directors, are about to put in a lot of work this summer, which will make us much more prepared for the first week of rehearsal in the fall.”

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District limits cause busing issues for students Student Life • May 2014

Students and residents who are a part of the Delta STAFF WRITER Township and Grand Ledge communities are unable to utilize the public transportation provided in their area because most buses do not travel outside of Eaton county, and certain transportation services only cater to the elderly.

The Delta Township Government Youth Council (DTGYC) is working to develop a solution by obtaining g. DTGYC is an organization of high school students within the Waverly and Grand Ledge School District. Their primary goal is to address issues in the community and encourage youth to take an interest in township government and citizen participation.

Jen Roberts is the Deputy Township Manager for the DTGYC, and she feels that if the DTGYC gets this grant, the outcome would be very rewarding to the community.

“This grant is extremely important to us,” Roberts said. “The grant gives the Government Youth Council resources that they might not otherwise have to research, explore and problem solve issues regarding to public transportation.”

Other than finding it difficult to utilize public transportation, students who live outside of their school district are finding it hard to get to school.

Sophomore Athena Lievense is a part of the Schools of Choice Program, which gives children the opportunity to be a part of a school that may not reside in their district. Lievense lives about 10 minutes away in Potterville and chose to attend school in Grand Ledge because more advanced placement classes were offered and the high school offers countless extracurricular activities. For the time being, Lievense is currently carpooling with a friend who also attends Grand Ledge, but would find it beneficial if some type of public transportation was able to come and take her to school.

“The option of being able to ride a bus would be helpful if I wasn’t already pretty well covered,” Lievense said. “But I can definitely see how it would be helpful to have a bus option for other school of choice students.”

Recently DTGYC, along with Eaton County United Way (ECUW), was awarded a grant that will allow the youth to oversee problems with the current transportation system, as well as address issues that exist in the community.

The council’s goal is to bring more awareness to peers and citizens in Delta Township about transportation issues like getting students to school and jobs. The society would also like to encourage public transportation to become more efficient and available to local residents.

Public Transportation in the Lansing area does not Angela Pontius ‘16

Emily Magoon/The Comets’ Tale

Young teens are unable to utilize public transportation because services like CATA and Eatran do not cater to those who live outside of the Lansing area. To fix this problem, the Delta Township Government Youth Council was awarded a grant that will allow them to address and understand current transportation issues. adapt to the citizens needs and it is not an effective travel source. Eatran, for example, generally does not travel outside of Eaton county and the company will not operate their buses after 6 p.m. This is an issue for students who are involved in after school activities or sports because if a student has to stay late after school and does not have a form of transportation, a bus cannot come to take them home.

Again, Roberts feels that the real issue we are concerning on is that high school students and young

adults are unable to utilize public transportation if they need to.

Just like Eatran, CATA also does not provide service west of the Lansing Mall, and residents who live in Grand Ledge or in the western part of Delta Township do not have access to attractions like fast food restaurants and various clothing stores. Also, students who have a job cannot take advantage of local buses or cabs because they do not travel out of town. Both CATA and Eatran make it extremely

GLHS’ relationship status

According to most sources, Annmarie Maher has chosen to pursue the single lifestyle. only two percent of high school “You can do whatever you want when you’re single,” STAFF WRITER relationships continue into a Maher said. “Relationships aren’t really necessary because successful marriage. Due to you’re just going to break up anyways.” this, many adults and even students doubt the chance Many students independently state that they’re happy that a relationship in high school could last a lifetime. being single. While this can be true, some students have Dean of students Scott Millbrook married his high school doubts that this is what they actually want. sweetheart, Chelsea Millbrook, whom he met at GLHS “You don’t have to deal with people,” freshman Adam in 2002. She was a freshman and he was a sophomore Sobliskey, who is single, said. “But you’re alone.” when they met. He is one of many from Grand Ledge who A healthy relationship should have effort put into ended up with their high school it by both partners. Fear is a significant other. constant within relationships “We had a very innocent, low for those who don’t work on stress relationship,” Millbrook communication. said. “We have always cared for “There’s that stress that any each other very much.” day you could break up,” Maher Relationships are a natural part said. of high school. Yet with grades, High school break-ups often extracurricular activities and cause mutual friends to get other social aspects to worry involved, which can be avoided about, maintaining a serious by talking to a significant other. relationship may be too much Yet many students ignore this for some students to handle fact and cause a disturbance starting at such a young age. within the relationship.

“I don’t think relationships “I think true friends would are necessary,” Millbrook said, realize that this could be “But if it’s something that hurtful and would not continue makes the student happy, then the relationship,” Millbrook it’s something that they should Courtesy Photos said. “The best thing to do is be able to do.” communicate feelings and voice Many students are not Above: Scott and Chelsea Millbrook on their concerns.” concerned about balancing their wedding day, after meeting each other 12 years Millbrook believes that students relationships with other aspects ago at GLHS. have the choice to choose if they of their lives. Some students Below: The happy couple with their nine month want to pursue a relationship in manage their time wisely, old daughter Iris in 2013. high school. balancing their time with their “I think high school relationships significant other and activities should be taken seriously, but they participate in. Yet others I think that as students mature let their relationship become through their high school years, the center of their life, which they’ll see that each relationship causes the other parts of their has a different level of maturity lives to decline in importance. to it,” Millbrook said.

Freshman Kaylie Roberts As long as students are has been dating her boyfriend still in control of their lives, Adam Zimmerman from St. relationships are looked upon Louis for six months, and she fondly by students and adults still focuses on other important alike. goals.

“Don’t let them control you,” “Work on your grades Roberts said. “Don’t let them tell first, then work on your you who you can and can’t hang relationship,” Roberts said. out with.”

“If you want to try it out, then Both students and faculty relationships are fun.” members agree that if the Teachers agree that students are still open to other relationships can to be a positive activities they’re interested in, experience for students, no a high school relationship can matter how it ends. work out fine.

“The one thing I’ve noticed is “I think as long as they have that if one person in the couple a balance in life; as long as their is a good student, then they focus isn’t just the two of them, usually have a good influence and they get out and they do have on the other student,” choir teacher Sheri Tulloch said. friends and they do activities, then that’s healthy,” Tulloch Other adults believe that students distract themselves said. “For any couple, not just high school couples.” with relationships and due to that, their grades drop.

As long as students believe that their relationships can Yet many students actually put their grades before their last and have hope that they will, a high school relationship relationships. can continue on for a long time. It has happened many “Good grades will last forever,” Maher said. “Colleges times before, and could happen with any students of this will look at those, not your boyfriend.” generation.

Talking with your significant other about your feelings “My wife and I were together on and off in high school,” is important to maintaining the relationship. Otherwise, Millbrook said. “Even in the college years that we were there’s no structure behind it. not together, my sister said that we would both ask her “Communication is vital to a happy, healthy relationship,” how the other one was doing. We rekindled our old flame Millbrook said. about five years ago, and we have been married for about Being in a relationship is not a must for a successful a year and seven months. We have a nine-month-old high school experience. Some students choose to free daughter named Iris.” themselves from the bounds of a boyfriend or a girlfriend and spend most of their high school years solo. Sophomore

difficult for high school students and residents to get to and from attractions.

DTGYC is currently asking for students of the class 2016 to perform a simple verbal survey so that the council may add your input and get students opinions on transportation. If you are interested in participating in this survey, you can either contact Roberts at jroberts@deltami.gov or by calling (517) 323-859 of the Delta Township Government office or ask any member a part of the group.

Gabby Cushman ‘17

Emily Magoon/The Comets’ Tale

Students have been caught scribbling on the bathroom stalls during lunch. Much vandalism has occurred at the high school this year, causing closings of the facilities.

Bathroom vandalisms around GLHS cause inconveniences

The past year has been rough for the custodial staff. According to the school’s hall monitor, bathroom vandalism has been occurring in more STAFF WRITER than one place throughout the building and has caused many troubles, leading to students having to trek throughout the halls in order to find an open restroom during class. This leads to excessive amounts of time out of the classroom and less time for lessons.

“The vandalisms have caused more than enough problems throughout our school,” principal Steve Gabriel said. “Custodians with other jobs that are needed somewhere else, must now go and try their best to clean up a student(s) actions elsewhere.”

Gabriel said the messes found in the restrooms include: flooding, stuffed objects in the toilets and sinks causing overflow, stalls kicked in, condoms and trash found in the urinals.

“It is simply not necessary,” hall monitor Mark Murray said. “I would hope students had better use of their time here at school than to vandalize their own bathrooms.”

Murray said students are only causing problems at their own risk and their peers due to these actions.

Now, students have no choice but to walk all over school while missing class to find an open restroom they can use. All of the bathrooms have had points where they were closed at various times, most of which were the boys’ bathrooms.

“If there’d be an emergency, there would be nothing we could do because the bathrooms are closed and not usable at all,” Murray said.

The student(s) responsible for these actions have not been accounted for yet, however, the staff are keeping their eyes peeled for any possible signs of another violation.

“Students need to understand their morals,” Murray said. “It shows a lot about a person’s personality when they act in such a way. I would not want the good kids of Grand Ledge to be thought of as bad for something like this.”

Emily Magoon ‘16

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Sports • May 2014

Weather washes away spring sporting events

Mother Nature can be the best friend or worst enemy for the SPORTS EDITOR spring sports teams. For the past two years, it has been the latter of the two with games seemingly being constantly canceled due to the weather conditions. The baseball team is one sport hit the hardest because of the limited amount of practice it can have inside.

“Last year we had a lot of games canceled, which made it difficult to get into a rhythm,” senior Zach Garfield said. “It was disappointing because all we wanted to do was play ball.”

On the flip side, the baseball program has a big advantage over other spring sports teams as the Comets take their spring break as an opportunity to go to Florida and practice three times a day to get ready for the season.

“Florida is a great opportunity to get a lot of practice in a short amount of time. It is also a great team bonding experience spending the entire week with teammates,” Garfield said.

“You can really come together and prepare for the upcoming season.”

Senior Deanna Haigh and the varsity soccer team has had a tough start to the season with not being able to practice outside and GL’s first home game was canceled.

“Since there is still snow on our field we can’t get out on it to practice or for our games,” Haigh said. “We will have to wait for all the snow to melt and then for the field to drain so we don’t ruin the field.”

Most of the spring sports are affected by the weather, but track stands alone competing through the elements.

“We don’t practice around it,” senior Mike Buffin said. “We practice through it, we run through snow, rain, any kind of weather. No days off.”

With spring sports usually getting the worst weather out of the year, it can really affect a team by making it harder to get off to a strong start to the season. This could lead to a disappointing season filled with what-ifs.

Zach Kramp ‘16

Zach Kramp/The Comets’ Tale

The snow that covered the various of fields of springs sports delayed the start of some of the seasons for teams. Throughout the year rain has forced some games to be canceled as well.

New coach brings new hope for GL water polo After starting the program PHOTO EDITOR in 2006 and coaching the girls’ water polo team for seven years, previous head coach Ian Townsend decided to step down from his position. With this unexpected announcement, a major change is in store for the varsity girls’ this season.

“I wanted to spend a little more time with my family,” Townsend said. “Water polo has a lot of weekend travel demands and I felt the program was strong enough that I could walk away.”

Townsend is confident with the new coaching staff change and expects big things from the team this spring and for the teams future.

Having been around the sport for 12 years and being an All-American Polo player in high school and college, as well as playing overseas in Hungary, MSU junior and new head coach Sam Marsh has an extensive knowledge of water polo along with much to offer for the Grand Ledge Polo program.

Marsh first started coaching in 2010. He helped to assist both the East Lansing and Okemos Water Polo Girl’s teams as well as the Spartan Polo club in the winter, so when Marsh saw the job opening at GLHS he was Liz Wood ‘16

up for the test.

“I wanted the challenge of being a head coach and couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to coach,” Marsh said.

Marsh looks forward to getting to know the girls, as well as helping them grow as players, and getting better this season.

“My goals for the team this year are that everybody has fun, everybody learns something new, and everybody works hard,” Marsh said. “If we reach those then I think the bigger goal of making it to regionals or even states will be more than attainable.”

In addition to those goals, Marsh also has a rivalry with his father; the coach of the girls’ East Lansing Polo team, so getting a win against him would be a great accomplishment for the team.

Even though he is no longer coaching, Townsend still believes in his team’s abilities and plans on still supporting the girls and the new coach as much as possible this season.

“Those girls know if they need anything I’ll help them in any way I can,” Townsend said. “Grand Ledge is in a tough district but I think the regional tournament would be a great initial goal for them. I learned a long time ago never to sell a Grand Ledge team short.”

All Photos Courtesy

Senior MacKenzie Classens treds up and prepares to shoot at the goal in a tournament game against Portage Central High School.

Far Left: Freshman Celicia Rivvett attempts to pass the ball to a teammate during a game from a tournament in Saline this season.

Near Left: Sophomore Rachel Kisnonsky evades the defender and looks to pass in a tournament game where Grand Ledge lost 10-9 in overtime.

Girls’ tennis serves it up

The girls’ tennis team has Jackson Vanderlaan ‘16 become popular in recent years, so popular in fact that STAFF WRITER the coaches revised the tryout process to include three teams, a varsity, a JV A team and a JV B team, in the hope of having a stronger varsity team that gives more girls playing time. The JV B team will be a developmental team that will practice at a separate time from the JV A and varsity teams.

We had 61 girls come to the parent-player meeting,” head coach Michael Richey said. “Luckily, the school district allowed us to create a second JV team. Since we now have three teams, we aren’t going to be cutting players this year.”

Many girls that made varsity last year have played before.

“I’ve been playing since I was three,” senior Sydney Riekse said. “I really enjoy playing. I’m very competitive, and I want to win.”

But while the competition is what gets students on the team, it is not what keeps them there.

“I played growing up,” junior Kailee Moran. “I decided to try out playing on a team. The coach and the girls were all really friendly and welcoming which made it more fun.”

The Comets’ finished third in the CAAC Blue conference last season. Richey attributes this to the tennis clinic that is held every summer at the high school.

“The program has really benefited from the spring and summer tennis clinics,” Richey said. “It is great to have current and past players instruct the kids at the clinic. This is a huge reason why the high school program has 40 plus girls participating in the GLHS tennis program.”

Approximately 70 kids participate in those clinics, and a several of the participants are starting to get to the high school level.

With very few players graduating last year, the team has a chance to win the conference title. The girls’ team’s record is 6-2-2.

Sunnyside Café

Jackson Vanderlaan/The Comets’ Tale

Jackson Vanderlaan/The Comets’ Tale

Top: Senior Lauren Sharp gets ready to serve in a match against the Everett Vikings on April 29.

Bottom: During a game against the Everett Vikings, sophomore Kitt Sharp returns the ball to her opponent.

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Senior Goodbyes • May 2013

Seniors say goodbye to The Comets’ Tale staff Throughout my four years of high school, I have had my fair share of late night homework sessions, mental breakdowns and stressful moments. But as my hours at GLHS come to a close, there are so many good memories that I have to reflect on and many people that have made an impact in my high school career.

To Hannah and MacKenzie: you gals have been my rock since day one. Whether it is the good or the hard times, I know I can count on you. From the day when you let me text you until all hours of the night when my grandpa passed away to our late night trips to Meijer or just driving down the backroads you guys have always been there for me. You guys have been such great friends to me and I will forever be in debt to you for that. I can only hope while I am 30 miles away, you will stay in touch.

O’C: Ever since my first day of high school, you have been so supportive during the years and have always been such a great teacher to me. Not only did you nag me to join newspaper day in and day out, but you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Whenever I was down on myself, you always knew what to say to cheer me up or get me back up on my feet. There are not enough words for the thanks that I owe you. You have been such a great supporter throughout these four years and I could not be more grateful.

To mom and dad: while your initials were not ATM, you sure did act like one, and I can never repay you for the love and support that you showed me since I was your little girl. Without your never ending support, I would not be the person I am today. You taught me all there is to know and I couldn’t ask for any better parents.

To the newspaper staff: thank you guys for all of your hard work and support to make this newspaper possible. You have made this year truly one to remember. Keep up the hard work!

JT! This year, you have been such a great managing editor. You have picked up the slack for me when I was sick or just plain could not think of an editorial to right. You picked up on how to take charge quickly and I couldn’t ask for a better managing editor this year.

And last but certainly not least, Sarah. I cannot be happier with how close we got this year. You have been there when I need someone to talk to and are always there to keep me sane during deadline days. Sarah, I am so happy to call you one of my best friends and I cannot wait to see what a bright future you will have!

To everyone else who has been a part of my high school career, I thank you for making these four years count. As I leave GLHS for the last time, the memories I have gained will last a lifetime.

Although I did not begin going to Grand Ledge until my freshman year, I feel more connected to Grand Ledge than my own town of Charlotte. Switching was the best choice I (my parents) ever made. My parents wanted me to have more opportunities. Opportunity is exactly what I got.

Many students take for granted all that is available at GLHS because they have always expected it. But for me, this school that is double the size of Charlotte High School, is a Godsend. I love GLHS for its wide variety of classes, AP classes, clubs, sports and the fact that I am not the only non-white student in the school.

I have sometimes gotten in way over my head with all of the extracurriculars I have involved myself with, but I would not have changed all the long days with meetings and practices with even longer nights studying for anything. Many days I would leave Charlotte before 7 a.m. to beat morning traffic, and not return until 10:30 at night with still at least four hours of homework ahead of me. But that is what high school has always been about for me. I would not have ever been happy going to school and leaving right after. For me school is not just a dreaded building, to me it is my community.

The people I have met throughout high school and through extra curriculars have shaped me into the person I am now. I am so thankful for the five musicals I have been a part of and my Madrigal family who have given me so many memories to leave with. I am also very thankful for my parents who drove me to school each day for two years before I got my license, totaling two hours of commuting a day for them. I am also thankful for my amazing teachers and the wonderful people in the office including the counselors who are way too familiar with my face. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support and motivation from them.

In just months, I will be attending the University of Michigan, and although I hate yellow, I am secretly happy with the colors. While everyone will see the maize and blue, I will smile with the pride in my gold and blue roots.

Grand Ledge is the town and the school I will remember and be nostalgic for. I know that I could not have reached my full potential at Charlotte because there were not the opportunities there for me. GLHS challenged me and gave me the resources to be successful and to be a strong candidate for colleges and life. I am thankful for anybody who has ever been involved in National Honor Society, Rotary, PALS, Student Council, Choir, Musicals, Band, Tennis, Calculus Club, or Newspaper staff with me. You have made these four years worth it.

I took my first ever journalism class in the eighth grade and that is what sparked my interest in journalism.

As I transitioned to high school, I took Journalism A and B during my freshman year and that solidified the idea to join the newspaper staff. That came true during my sophomore year when I joined the staff.

My newspaper experience that followed will be one of the highlights of my high school career when I look back at them.

From my first experiences of writing stories with Andrew Fisher and Austin Blatt during my first year on staff then to

The smell of ink, the click of a keyboard, the shuffling of papers; these are all sights, sounds and smells that all remind me of my best days of high school.

Every student has that one place where they feel the most at home. For me this was room 113, and all things journalism.

Once I had uncovered the joys of journalism there was no turning back. There are no words to describe all of the things that the GLHS journalism program has given me over the years. During my time on both newspaper and yearbook I have learned so many things and met so many great people.

Yearbook was only a small part of my journalism experience but it still had a tremendous effect on me. Yearbook taught me how to cover topics in ways that all different types of people will enjoy. I also gained a wealth of photographic experience during my year on the yearbook staff and made two of the best friends I will ever have. However the times I had in yearbook do not hold a candle to everything newspaper has given me over the years.

From writing skills to a photographic eye, from interviewing techniques to leadership experience, newspaper is without a doubt the most educational class I took during my time at GLHS. Newspaper was my outlet for talking about the issues that mattered to me. Even though the eyes of many students never touched my stories I feel good about actually showing students another side of the world we live in and broadening a horizon now and then. This is what I believe is the true power of journalism, and newspaper taught this to me. Journalism and media give the opportunity to spread information to the far corners of the earth and change the world one issue at a time. I hope to continue this type of work in college, and as I start my career as a professional print journalist.

As I move on to college I will take all of these lessons with me and use them often. I hope to continue working in media and report on international issues and topics later in life. I hope that all of the wonderful people I have met through the journalism program at GLHS and many outside of it will be able to see my work and be affected by it. In college and my professional career I will build on the wonderful foundations that this program has given me and will always remember what I learned here. I hope to be a source of pride for this program in the future as an alum who went on to big things.

When I head to NYU Paris next year I will be taking my first step into the world of international journalism. And thereafter I will continue learning about how to connect the world through media as I study journalism. I thank the journalism program at GLHS and the most amazing advisor ever for giving me this purpose in life. As I head into the world I will always look back at me experiences here with love and thanks. I will think of you often and you will always be with me, peace.

one of my favorite classes I have been in during my junior year, knowing I would get a laugh everyday from Connor Thompson or David Occhiuto.

The conversations with Katie Frazier and talking sports with Blatt were always what I looked forward to in my day. And onto my senior year where I think I have grown as a sports writer the most from actually writing good stories that pertain to the school and not a story that you could read on ESPN or the Internet. Reflecting back on my time in room 113 has brought back countless amounts of memories I will carry into the next stage in my life.

I would like to thank everyone that has been apart of my eight trimesters on The Comets’ Tale. These last four years will always be remembered as some of the best years of my life.

You only live once so live it to the fullest. That’s exactly what I did my four years as a Comet. As some of you wish you were graduating, majority of us are bittersweet in our dismissal. You’ll never get your high school years back, that’s why it’s important to make them memorable.

With that being said here are my top six memorable moments.

1.) Is That Fake Or Nah? It’s no secret that I love to wear my hair extensions. I’ve never been shy about where I got them, how to use them or to answer questions. But I remember one particular day I walked into class and senior Bri Hicks yelled out, “I like yo weave girl! “And my teacher did not understand so I explained my whole hair do to my whole class. Talk about confidence.

2.) “Dance Cece” Whelp. There’s no shame in the Cece dance game! I will always remember going to banquet and being pushed in the middle to dance.

I had so much fun dancing with my boys: seniors Joby Cosgrove, Dar Vancourt, and junior Dj Perez. We were by far the stars of the night.

3.) Happy Birthday Girl I have never had that much love and been so surprised all in one day. I remember walking past the school store and all of my friends screaming and singing happy birthday and sophomore D’shar Harris surprising me with a bouquet of flowers, a card and teddy bears. And if it couldn’t get any better my news staff surprised me with a birthday cake and senior Camile Gentry bought me flowers. I will always remember that day.

4.) Turn down for what If you ask any student, teacher, hall monitor or anyone who knows me, they’ll tell you I am a loud person and that being shy is does not fit my personality. One thing I’m going to miss is randomly running in Mrs. K’s fifth hour Women’s Personal Conditioning class and just dancing to there workout music.

5.) You’re Famous The day Mrs. Badalamente told me I was nominated for “most likely to be famous,” I was so excited. I was very surprised, happy and just excited that I was recognized.

6.) Pictures, Snapchat Stories and Tweets I cannot count how many selfies I’ve been in and interrupted, how many snap chat stories I’ve been asked to be in and how many funny things I’ve said that have become tweets. And just before writing this, I was just recorded! I’m really going to miss this. Make your time here as a Comet as memorable as you can and do not rush for it to be over, because trust me, you’re going to miss these memories.

These four years you have are going to be one of the most precious.

I can finally say “We Made It.” Drake voice.