November Issue

ct Grand Ledge High School’s

The Comets’ Tale

Behind the curtain: The high school Tech Crew lights up the stage See more on page 7 See more on page 4 Still confused about college week?

From scarves to outdoor activities, don’t miss out this fall

See more on page 6

A sprinkle of success

Volume 47 Issue 3 November 2014 820 Spring St. Grand Ledge MI 517-925-5848

After becoming a finalist in a local business competition, senior Brittany Belding expands her business Hooray!

Cupcakes! after a previous attempt to run the business.

Brittany uses local fresh ingredients to make all of her desserts.

Senior Brittany Belding bakes something sweet for her business Hooray! Cupcakes!

Sarah Clinkscales ‘15 Managing Editor

T

he first time senior Brittany Belding tried to sell cupcakes, it went horribly wrong. At a MSU football game her younger sister, Olivia Belding, and herself sold cupcakes to people tailgating in the freezing cold parking lot, but most people flat out ignored her.

Since her first cupcake adventure Brittany ’s baking business Hooray! Cupcakes! has taken off.

Sales picked up during her junior year, now she gets orders for cupcakes at least once a week. Her most ordered item is chocolate caramel cupcakes. The purple cardboard wraps on the outside add a touch of elegance and the frosting swirls to a point. Brittany only accepts a minimum order of a dozen which costs $18, cheaper than the local bakeries.

“I’m just having fun,” Brittany said. “I get to do something that expresses my creativity and make people happy. I like to move around and work with my hands, not sit behind a desk and type papers much to the surprise of most GLHS students.”

Brittany ’s dad, English teacher Jeff Belding, taught Brittany all the tips and tricks of the trade and encouraged her baking business.

He started baking with simple ‘Elmo frost by numbers’ to more extravagant cakes.

“I had an easy-bake-oven when I was little,” Brittany said. “I took it much more seriously than the other girls did.”

Her cupcakes are made from the best local and fresh ingredients that she can find. The eggs Brittany buys are from a local farm on M100. She mixes her own dry ingredients for cakes and See BELDING on page 4

With frosting added to finish the cupcake, Brittany finishes an order of cupcakes. The cupcakes shown above are chocolate cupcakes with nutella frosting. To place a Hooray! Cupcakes! order you can call or find Brittney at school, she works in the school annex during third hour.

Photos by Sarah Clinkscales/The Comets’ Tale

Cometin-charge Bry Leach ‘15 News Editor

This school year, some changes have been seen in the school setting. New safety procedures were practiced in October, and students have been restricted with their inschool fundraising. What hasn’t changed, however, is the school’s use of PBIS lessons, which started last year. On the first day of school, a review of 2013-2014 lessons was presented, and in November more lessons will be introduced.

Safety-As ordered by Eaton county, students in October were required to practice an evacuation plan for a lockdown drill.

This is one of three that students will be doing this year, as opposed to the two lockdown drills in previous years. Another improvement to the school’s safety plan is the introduction to an unannounced lockdown drill, which will occur during lunch or passing time later in the year. No teachers or students will be notified of the drill, which will hopefully feel more real to unexpecting patrons.

Fundraising-As ordered by the Safe Snacks in Schools initiative this year, candy bags are not allowed to be sold in school along with other unhealthy snacks. Personal fundraising of the candy bags is also prohibited by the school itself, because of the lack of accountability for where the money raised goes.

PBIS - The next focus for the program that promotes positive behavior in school will be behavior at indoor events. Although he does not think it has been an issue in the past, he wants to reiterate the appropriate behavior at events in anticipation of a successful basketball season overall.

Local pizza eatery slices a piece of their profits to GLPS 109 Students at GLHS voted on what their favorite Hungry Howie’s crust flavor was: here are the results

Taylor Kennaugh ‘16 Staff Writer

Everyone always hears about schools not having a big enough budget and that they are in need of more funding, and there is constantly some sort of schoolsponsored fundraiser going on.

This year, the Hungry Howie’s in downtown Grand Ledge is joining in on these school fundraisers.

“Schools are able to choose up to two dates per month as donation nights,” Hungry Howie’s director of operations Matt Jobson said.

“On those dates, we donate 10 percent of the entire day’s sales back to the school.”

The pizza franchise will be donating to a Grand Ledge school on certain days of the month, from September to May. The Holbrook early childhood center, Willow Ridge and Beagle elementaries, and Hayes middle school have picked days throughout the school year that they will be getting money.

Every first and third Thursday of the month, the money will be donated to Holbrook. On the third Wednesday it will be donated to Willow Ridge. Beagle will get the proceeds on every second Thursday, and Hayes on every fourth Wednesday.

“Our first effort only resulted in $84,” Willow Ridge principal Jill Mangrum said. “While that is not substantial, it is a start.”

Although the first date was not a

Sesame: 0% Butter: 1.8% Ranch: 2.8% A portion of proceeds from Hungry Howie’s will be donated to GLPS. On selected dates the business will donate 10 percent.

These donations will help benefit a variety of programs.

Photo by Michael Wilson/The Comets’ Tale huge success for Willow Ridge, the proceeds tend to increase as more people find out about the program and participate. One school ended up increasing their proceeds by $300 on the second evening of the program.

“Through fliers sent home with the kids, end-of-day announcements, the school newsletter, and wordof-mouth, we inform parents each time a donation night is coming up,” said Jobson.

Some customers believed they would be getting a 10 percent discount off of their purchase, when that 10 percent would actually be going to the school.

The customers still pay the normal

price for their order.

“I do not believe that will stop people from taking advantage of the donation to their home school, it was just a misunderstanding,” Mangrum said.

The program is just starting out this year in the Grand Ledge district, but there are high hopes for it to be successful in the long run.

“Although this is a new program for Grand Ledge, we have been running it in our company for the past four years and it has been a rousing success,” Jobson said.

See HUNGRY HOWIE’S on page 4

Butter Cheese: 33.9%

Cajun: 1.0%

Garlic Herb:

55% Original: 3.7% Onion: 1.8%

Makenzie Chapin: Hungry Howie’s Employee

While working at Hungry Howie’s, senior Makenzie Chapin enjoys the relaxed environment. Sometimes when there is a high school football game they could provide close to 200 pizzas. They supply for the football team, the marching band members and the concession stand. The most difficult task is to make sure the right pizzas go to the right place with the right toppings and cut. During her shifts she works with customers and takes pizzas out of the oven.

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The Comets’ Tale • Opinion • November 2014

How to Catch a Gal:

Guest artist Kendall Ilieff

Smell good Don’t sag your pants Dont act too nervous Be polite Be honest Treat her with respect Only talk to her (don’t talk to a bunch of girls at the same time) Be respectful Be interested in what she likes to do Don’t be clingy

New definition of dating Gabby Cushman ‘17 Staff Writer

Let’s face it, dating sucks. Our generation has turned the sweet, romantic tradition into a huge joke. Men are oblivious perverts and girls are gullible dramatics. Dating has never been perfect, but this has to be one of its lowest points. So I’ve compiled a list of things we all need to improve on to make dating better for everyone.

Both guys and girls do many things wrong, but let’s start with the guys. First of all, a little style advice: sagging is not attractive.

Seriously, that is something middle school boys use to seem hot for girls. If you are still doing it in high school, get a belt.

Also, guys seem to think of girls as prizes to be won. Now tell me, what was wrong with that sentence? Ah yes, it treats girls as if they are items instead of people. Females are not just objects of affection that you can “get with.” If you are dating a girl, you should actually be more than physically attracted to her.

Speaking of that, guys can never seem to admit they like a girl.

Maybe society has made it seem like admitting your feelings shows weakness, but in all honesty, not being able to tell someone you like them is the epitome of weakness.

Now, if a girl tells a guy she likes him and he does not like her, what usually happens? Does he reject her nicely and move on with his life, or

does he reject her and laugh about with his friends later? Usually the latter. And you men wonder why girls make a big deal about liking someone.

A lot of guys give girls sexual compliments and it is considered okay, but when girls try to compliment a guy’s muscles they’re “thirsty.” Excuse me? And guys, stop being perverts asking for nudes. Seriously, not only is it degrading, it’s against the law. Guys need to stop conforming to society’s terrible expectations of them and actually improve on some of these points.

Moving on to the pitfalls of females. Girls have contributed to the downfall of romance as well.

You know how we addressed earlier how guys treat girls as prizes?

Well, girls settle for it. They think as long as a guy tells her he likes her, even if he may not mean it, then he is perfect. We can do better. But girls are not just sad and confused puppies, looking for love. Once a girl is in a relationship, she will begin to have high expectations for her significant other. She will expect a gift every anniversary, birthday and holiday. Also, make sure it is expensive, or she will be highly disappointed. Oh, and do not expect anything as valuable back. Your gift will probably be homemade, or “made with love.” And we wonder why guys are often scared of us. Now, where do girls get these

expectations? It is obvious; those stupid romantic movies that have hardly any reality in them. Do not get me wrong, I love “The Fault in Our Stars,” but not every guy will be an Augustus Waters. Wake up and welcome reality, because it is all you have.

I am not done yet. No more gender specifics; let’s just focus on what everyone needs to improve on. A lot of the time, people will just enter a relationship for the sake of having a relationship and not actually liking the person.

Since when did being taken make you cooler? Even worse, a lot of people will jump from one relationship to the next, starting a new one when the old one breaks off. These people that have a constant need to be in a relationship are pathetic and obviously have no sense of independence.

Oh, and playing people is just something sick people do. Some people will lead someone on that they know likes them and then kick them to the curb and make fun of them afterwards. It is disgusting. On the opposite spectrum: stop playing hard to get if you actually like a person. Who’s genius idea was it that if you like someone, you should act like you do not and flirt with other people?

Give up on this reverse psychology people; it does not work.

Now, do not think you are “in love” with someone if you have only known them for two days. That is

rushing into a relationship, and those are probably going to fail. Take time to actually get to know the person, and maybe your relationship will be a bit more successful. If you manage to maintain a stable relationship, good job! Now just do not ditch your friends to hang out with your new lover 24/7. They are not the center of your life, and if you think they are, that is really sad. Remember that your friends have been there from the beginning, and they will probably be there for you after the break up (which will happen; let’s face it, we are in high school).

Now, let’s move on to rejecting.

We all know that judging a person on how they look is a terrible thing to do, but “I am not physically attracted to you” is a legitimate reason to reject someone. It does not mean you are shallow and rude. Also, you should not have to explain why you are breaking up with or rejecting someone. You have your reasons, so they should just stay out of your business.

Congratulations, you have made it to the end! Knowing modern society, you probably saw a critique of something you do and rolled your eyes at this article. How could you possibly be doing something wrong when it comes to romance? The horror!

Well, maybe if you opened your eyes and realized that what you consider dating is ridiculous, your ignorance will decrease. Ah, but only in a perfect world.

How to Catch a Guy: Let him hang out with his friends Text him first Be able to hold a conversation Be loyal Dress modestly Be yourself around him Don’t be obsessive Don’t be clingy Talk about stuff he likes Actually care what he cares about

Advice from a bad feminist Look up from your phone Sarah Clinkscales ‘15 Managing Editor

“Man-hater.” I remember the first time those words were hurled at me from across a room like thrown stones. I could feel the bruises radiating under my skin and all the implications those two words meant. The diss meant I was undesirable, too opinionated, too loud, too much like the men I was accused of hating.

My mom’s the bread winner.

My grandma brings home the bacon. I’ve always looked up to them and they’ve always encouraged me to aim high. Never have I been told that I couldn’t do something because I didn’t have two balls. I’m ballsy without the anatomy.

I’m a feminist.

It’s stapled to my sleeve, written across my forehead, a banner that snaps behind me.

But I’m not a “good” feminist: I like feeling sexy; I think the song “Carry Out” is catchy; I wear high heels and mini-skirts. Call me a hypocrite but it’s pretty simple―I want to be respected, have equal pay, control my own body, determine my destiny and frankly, maybe let my leg hair grow out.

I’m not a Femin-Nazi, but if I had to, I could be. Phyllis Schlafly is sitting in her rocking chair right now, self-righteously waving her knitting needles at me from the grave.

Recently I read an article about an academic debate between a transgender feminist and a radical feminist against trans-

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.

Katherine Davidson ‘17 Staff Writer

Looking the look and walking the walk of feminism can be very different for each person, but it is more than just the look that makes senior Sarah Clinkscales a bad feminist.

Photo by Mary Vu/The Comets’ Tale gender. Feminist are broken into Except . . .’ fractions, a large part is women I would never burn my Victoria against femininity that appeals Secret bra or shave my head, to men, and the flip side of that is because it’s okay to be girly in the women who believe they should girls’ club. not be sexualized and looked If I’m a “bad” feminist, that’s down on no matter what they are a good thing. A reminder: the wearing. Why are we being so whole movement began with the nit-picky about who’s in the club? most perfectly natural of things: It’s ‘Girls only’, ‘not Girls Only: tolerance.

Editors-in-Chief Sarah Sims Jake Thomann Managing Editor Sarah Clinkscales Business Manager Mary Vu Copy Editor Katie Twarozynski

News Editor Bry Leach

Staff Writers

Gabrielle Cushman Katherine Davidson Taylor Kennaugh Bobby Mitchell Angela Pontius Jackson Vanderlaan Savannah Wear Michael Wilson

Adviser Sara-Beth Badalamente

As soon as kids get on the bus, they plop down on to the seat and whip out their brand new iPhone 6 Mommy bought them. Ear buds immediately go in their ears and they listen the latest pop sensations. But that is a different topic. As they do this, they set their bag right next to them, blocking anyone who might socialize with them from sitting there. What makes matters worse is that the whole bus acts this way. Everybody doing the same thing and not speaking a word. Even if they sit next to each they still do not talk. An eerie silence is cast over the bus and lasts the whole ride until the vehicle stops at its destination. Gone with the face to face socializing and in with the new and improved way to catch up on everyone’s lives.

There are lots of distinct social media apps that you cannot keep track of them all. Not only are there hundreds of them, but they take up everybody’s time. People spend hours on end looking down at their smart phone and ignoring the exciting

world around them. What people call social these days is anything but that. Group chats make it seem like the people in the chat are in a room together, but in reality, you are just in your own room randomly laughing at that device in your hand like a lunatic.

Not only is this affecting young adults, but also the following generations. Cell phones are not the only device that has taken over. In fact, tablets are a major factor in this technology apocalypse. In the grade school buildings, children are given iPads to use as a learning utensil. For the most part, kids will only use them for educational purposes, until they open up the camera. The memory of their iPads is soon filled with pictures of booger-eating first graders attempting to take a selfie. That is right; it is all they do.

No matter what device is used, the next generation is slowly deteriorating as communication comes to an abrupt halt. As a community and as a society, we need to put down our

phones and communicate the by expressing our feelings face to face, not over an IM. Enter the coffee shop every once and a while and meet someone new.

Try to make arrangements with friends to hang out in person instead of text. There are so many ways that society can improve. So when you decide to hit town, leave the phone on the windowsill and let the day take you by the horns, you never know what could happen when you can see the world.

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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The Comets’ Tale • Entertainment • November 2014

Katie’s Korner: “True Colors” Book Review

Katie Twarozynski ‘17 Copy Editor With phenomenal language and a brilliant storyline, “True Colors” by Kristin Hannah makes any heart swoon with a love story and break with the brutal downfall mid way through the book. A beloved set of characters helps you fall into the story as if you are really in the small town of Waters Edge.

The story starts with a trio of sisters, yearning to be accepted by one another and their drunken father when their mother dies of a long fought battle with cancer.

As the sisters grow older, they mature and move away from their beloved home, all except the youngest sister, Vivi Ann. She stays behind and helps her father run the ranch and tend to the horses.

Soon, though, she and her father realize they need more help to run the ranch then they originally thought.

Vivi Ann interviews many candidates for the position of a helping hand and finally comes about the right won: a Native American named Dallas Raintree.

As Vivi and Dallas spend more and more time together, they realize that they were meant to be with each other. Vivi breaks the news to her current fiance (Luke) that she has fallen in love with another man and cannot possibly keep seeing him. With the devastating news of the breakup, Vivi moves on with Dallas and eventually, they have a child.

On Christmas Eve, two years after their child is born, Dallas and Vivi are supposed to travel to their father’s ranch and meet up with the rest of the family for a Christmas get together.

Unfortunately, Dallas comes down with the flu and is too sick to attend the gathering.

When Vivi comes home the next day with their child, she hears a bit of funny news: Cat Morgan, a local bartender who was close friends with Dallas, was raped and murdered. Before the couple can wrap their heads around the news, police come and accuse Dallas of the murder, taking him right to the local jail.

Vivi Ann believes her husband is innocent, but even her own family seems to think that Dallas faked his own illness to sneak out that Christmas Eve night.

The question remains, though, if Dallas really did murder a woman that night.

Trial after trial, Dallas was proven guilty. Until one important piece of evidence was uncovered. Will this be enough to prove Dallas innocent and reconnect the three sisters?

“True Colors” captured me until the very end. The characters stole my heart in ways I can relate to them and put myself in their shoes. From the beginning, the book started out fast and I could not put it down.

Imagine being in the shoes of Vivi Ann. Would you give up on your husband if he was accused of murder or would you stick with him until the very end? These questions are trying for any teenager in a relationship, even if they are not to this exact magnitude.

I highly recommend this book to any avid reader who enjoys a romantic love story that can triumph any trial the heart puts you through.

You can find this book at Grand Ledge Public Library or your nearest book store.

51%

say they illegally download music off the internet

49%

say they do not illegally download music off the internet

The Comets’ Tale conducted an anonymous 100-person survey asking GLHS students if they pirate music.

The dangers and consequences of illegally downloading music off the Internet Gabby Cushman ‘17 Not every criminal steals from Staff Writer a jewelry store or a bank; some everyday people steal without even realizing that it is a serious crime. These people are stealing digitally, and often many of them are teenagers trying to get “free” music.

Illegally downloading music is a crime that many overlook and is sometimes disregarded as ‘no big deal,’ when in fact it is costing aspiring musicians money. Many people will often pirate one or two songs and think it is okay. Yet months later, they have gathered a whole library of music at their choosing.

“Illegal downloading of music is charged under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act,” MSU law student Rebecca Johnson said. “This act was created to protect the work of an artist, so that they can profit from their work.”

There are hundreds of apps and websites that make the process of pirating music easier for the typical pirate, and it does not look like the crime will stop anytime soon.

Downloading free music once will often encourage the person to do it again if they like the results. Pirating can become a daily activity for some people.

“Most of the Internet population pirates music,” junior Kat Clevenger said. “I know someone who pirates music. I think they download fairly often.”

The idea of downloading free music comes down to one issue; money. Many listeners do not have the money to buy all the music they love, so they find a way to get their favorite tunes for free.

“People find it easier than going to the store and getting

an iTunes card,” sophomore Kaitlyn Hagadus said. “They download whenever they need new music.”

Pirating music is an illegal act, yet thousands of people get away with it every day. The fact that hardly anyone gets caught may influence how many people actually download free music.

“Many people are never convicted because the parties will settle out of court,” Johnson said. “The biggest population that is pirating music is college students because of the access to bandwidth. Many colleges have policies.”

Pirating music is considered stealing, whether the law is enforced or not. Yet this act will continue as long as music costs money while free tracks are available for download.

“The penalties can be up to five years in jail, fines and charges of up to $150,000 per file, and any other charges that might be brought against you, the copyright holder can file suit, which can result in legal fees and damages that must be paid,” Johnson said. “Some universities have policies against illegal downloading as well. This could mean that the school can take action against a student for illegally downloading music or other material off their network.

They have these policies because they have some liability of their wireless network.”

Teenagers, adults or even children could be illegally downloading music by using an app or a website. Simply searching ‘download music for free’ on any search engine will often lead a person to an easy way to pirate. As long as there are ways to do it, illegally downloading music will not disappear anytime soon.

Breaking down the cost of Taylor Swift’s new “1989” album

MCT Campus

Photo by 2K Games/Evolve Illustration by Jake Thomann/The Comets’ Tale

Why game delays benefit both developers and players Jake Thomann ‘16 Editor-in-Chief

Countless times has this year been labeled “the year of video game delays”, and with good reason. Games like “Batman: Arkham Knight,” “The Witcher 3,” “The Order: 1886,” and “Dying Light” had many gamers excited when they were announced with 2014 release dates, and then later on delayed into 2015. “Evolve,” which was previously slated for a 2014 release date only to be pushed back to 2015, was easily the most upsetting delays of this year for me. My high anticipation for it was one of the main causes for this, along with the fact that I would have to wait several more months for the game’s release. But shortly after “Evolve’s” delay, I looked at the big picture of game delays: what’s the point of being upset over not being able to play a game for a few more months?

When looking at game delays as a whole and what they actually result in, I figured out that they aren’t so bad.

They can create a lot of frustration and disappointment, but most of the time they usually result in an overall superior game. Even with their disadvantages, video game delays are ultimately for the best and result in a better games.

These delays can obviously seem like a bad decision, but when taking into consideration the number of game releases this year, it seems like a good decision business-wise. As a result of these games being delayed to a later date that isn’t crowded with game releases, they now have a higher chance of reaching a wider audience. “Evolve” is a good example of why it was smart to move its release date to early 2015. If it has kept its original release date of October 2014, it would have had to compete with several other big name games like “Assassin’s Creed Unity.” Now that it is delayed, it has the opportunity to be released during a period of time that is not cluttered with other game releases, therefore resulting in a better chance of selling the game to potential customers.

Unfortunately, delays do not guarantee a good game.

“Watch Dogs,” a game centering on a hacker vigilante in the city of Chicago, was originally planned for a 2013 release but was later delayed into 2014. Many gamers, including myself, thought this delay would be for the best and extra time would produce an excellent game.

This theory turned out to be wrong once the game was released. “Watch Dogs” was met decent reviews, but the game was expected to be one of the best new-generation games during that period of time.

But the fact that delays do not guarantee a good game does not matter. What matters is the fact that delays almost always mean a better game as an outcome.

Delays mean the developers have more time to work on and polish the game up before release. “Watch Dogs” probably would have been a worse game had it been released in 2013, and even though most of the hype surrounding the game had diminished because of the delay, the developers had more time to work on the game and therefore probably produced a higher quality game.

Multiple games have been delayed and later turned out to be critically praised. One of the most notable delays was for “The Last of Us,” a Playstation 3 exclusive that was delayed from a May 2013 release date to June 2013. After its release, the game went on to win over 200 ‘Game of the Year’ awards and was generally accepted as one of the best Playstation 3 game of all time. Another significant example of game delays gone right is “Grand Theft Auto V”, which was delayed from Spring 2013 to Fall 2013. Not only was the game met with overwhelmingly positive reviews but it also made over one billion dollars in three days. There are several other noteworthy examples, like “Tomb Raider” and “Bioshock Infinite”. Game delays might not guarantee a good game, but they give developers more time to work on the game and still lets them have the opportunity to produce some of the best games of a generation.

It’s not that game delays are all good. They inconvenience players and most of the time decreases the amount of hype around the game. But considering the fact that a higher quality game will probably be produced in exchange for a couple more months of waiting, it should be noted that the delays are worth it. So if a highly anticipated game gets delayed, don’t immediately think of the negatives; think of the positives, and how these delays will, in the end, produce a better game.

Bending iPhone 6 models cause controversy Bobby Mitchell ‘15 Staff Writer

It is being called “Bendgate.”

Apple’s new iPhone 6s are getting a reputation for bending in people’s pockets. It is the iPhone 6 Plus in particular, with its large screen size and thin body, that contributes to this. Those that have taken iPhone 6 Plus models apart to see why they all bend in the same spot have found that the reinforcements in the case, by the volume buttons, are not designed properly causing them to bend in one spot in particular. According to Apple, there have been only nine complaints reported of iPhone 6 Pluses bending in peoples’ pockets in the first weekend of sales.

Sophomore Erik Seelman saw the big news featured on CNN that iPhone 6’s were bending. Seelman bought a new phone case as soon as he could to keep his new phone in good condition; the case came at a price of $20.

According to consumerreports.org, it takes 90 pounds to deform an iPhone 6 Plus, while it only takes 70 pounds to deform an iPhone 6, which is the exact same pressure it takes to deform an HTC one (M8), but far less than the 130 pounds it takes to deform an iPhone 5s. The new iPhone is not as sturdy structurally as the previous generation, but is still on par with some of the weaker contemporary phones.

Ft. 4 Hidden behind the lights and curtains The Comets’ Tale • Feature • November 2014

Taylor Kennaugh ‘16 Staff Writer

The fall musical at GLHS is quickly approaching and all around the school students can see posters about buying tickets, and everyone is buzzing about who plays which role. But nobody stops to think about the behind the scenes and the students working hard to make the show possible.

“The tech crew is integral in making the lights and sound happen,” musical director Tracy Clark said. “Lights and sound are a huge part of the overall experience when you come to a show.”

The students in tech crew are responsible for making sure the lights are working, raising and lowering the curtain, making sure the sound is working, ushering people to their seats and making sure that the sets are in the correct places during the show. Basically, without the tech crew there would be no show.

“Audiences tend to take the technical aspect of a show for granted, for what they see, hear, and experience are the performers, until something goes wrong that is,” tech director Tim Daniel said.

“For example, a cue can be taken at the wrong time, a light can burn out in the middle of a show, or a battery in a microphone pack can go dead, or the microphone itself can be damaged. On the other hand, if the show is full of special effects, those not done by the performers, such as flashpots, fog, special effect lighting, or actors flying across the stage. That’s when the audience realizes the work of the tech staff.”

The tech crew is a very important part of making sure the show

runs smoothly. One seemingly small mess up could make a huge difference in how well the show goes for the audience. The pressure is always high for tech crew members.

“I always like to say that missing a light, sound, or set cue is as bad as an actor going onstage and missing a line, or forgetting a dance,” Clark said. “So, it is very important that they get it right.”

The members of tech crew are constantly working, meeting at least once a week leading up to the musical in order to prepare.

Often times, they meet multiple times a week, including some weekend meetings.

“Tech crew does not actually work as long as the performers are in rehearsal, because we don’t know everything that we will need to do for the show until things like blocking, scene changes, special effects, and microphone placement is discussed by the musical director and the tech director,” Daniel said.

On the weekend of the musical, the tech crew is there around the clock, working there hardest to keep the show running smoothly.

And all that hard work often goes unnoticed.

“I feel like we should be able to come out on stage after every show, not just the last one,” sophomore Emily Ayers said, who has been a part of tech crew since the beginning of last year.

Many of the tech crew members feel that they do not get enough credit for all the work they put into the musicals.

“They probably don’t get as much credit as the kids onstage because the audience does not ac-

Senior Brittney Belding finishing a cup cake while baking in her kitchen. People in her family like to bake as well, including her dad, English teacher Jeffery Belding. Photos by Sarah Clinkscales/ The Comets’ Tale

Jump from page 1: Brittany Belding whips her own frosting.

“You won’t ever catch me baking out of a box,” Brittany said. “I try to go as natural and local as possible.”

Hooray! Cupcakes! has taken Brittany far and wide, and opened opportunities for her that she would not have otherwise have had. In May, 2014, Brittany attended and pitched her idea for Hooray! Cupcakes! at a local “Shark Tank” competition. The award for the finalist of the competition was $500. The finalists were Lauren Lawler, Lansing Costello and Kyle Platt, and Brittany. The prize money was split between the four of them, but Brittany received $200 and the other competitors got $150.

“I just went in and pitched my business plan, told them how it works,” Brittany said.

Before Hooray! Cupcakes! Brittany was painfully shy. Brittany said that when she started trying to sell her cupcakes she realized that she was not going to get anywhere unless she stepped up to get it.

“Baking is a social business,” Brittany said. “You can’t be shy because you need to know your customer.”

Brittany takes every opportunity that comes her way, including selling her cupcakes at the school Annex, where she is also the manager, but the cupcakes were not much competition compared to the cheaper chocolate chip cookies.

“I feel a little competition with the school store,” Brittany said. “I want the Annex to make a profit, so I’ve brought sellable items like the Pillsbury cookies. The Annex just needs more guidance to it.”

Brittany wants to follow her love of baking into the future and hopefully be able to bake as a full time job. Her goals of attending University of Michigan and joining their college of business. After, if she stills has the passion for baking, she will go to pastry school.

“I don’t want to do anything else,” Brittany said. “I like marketing, and baking and being my own boss. Lets face it, I’m a type A personality, I wouldn’t want to work for somebody else.”

Anyone who is interested in buying cupcakes for an event or just to eat delicious sweets can call Brittany or find her at the school store during third hour.

Jump from page 1: Hungry Howies Last year Hungry Howie’s donated around $17,000 to schools, and over all four years that the program has been going on over $40,000 has been donated.

The proceeds the schools collect can be used for whatever the school would like to spend the money on. At Hayes, the money will be given to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and they will decide what to do with those proceeds. At other schools participating, the money could go to

anything from paying for a student’s field trip if they cannot afford it to buying more playground toys like basketballs or soccer balls. The decision on where the money will be spent is up to that school’s principal.

Although the schools participating will not make thousands of dollars through this program, it will help schools purchase minor things that might have been otherwise cut out of the tight budget.

Tech crew member, sophomore Zach Dumount, explores the light and sound board in the GLHS auditorium. The tech crew lights and sounds all of the high school’s musicals. Without the tech crew it would be very difficult for the musical members to move props and have quality lighting. Photos by Taylor Kennaugh tually get to see them doing their jobs,” Clark said. “I think that is part of why they become crew.

They still get to be involved in the performance, but don’t have to be singing, dancing or acting Bobby Mitchell ‘15 Staff Writer Not many people get to wake up every morning and go outside and get into their very own two seat sports car for the drive to school, this is exactly what senior David Weiss does. Weiss is the proud owner of a very nice, first generation, Mazda Miata.

The first generation Mazda Miata is arguably the best Miata to have. A lot of owners and automotive enthusiasts alike regard the early Miatas as being one of the purest affordable sports-cars: Manual steering and brakes, a very stiff chassis, and such light weight make for a car that gives the driver great feedback, handles like it is on rails, and gets good gas mileage. While the first generation Miata will not win many drag races, it will get out of its own way.

“It was actually my brother’s and he got a new car,” Weiss said. ”So he wasn’t really using the Mazda, so he gave it back to my family and I started using it because I loved it so much.”

Weiss found that he liked the Miata because it was better than the average car in just about every way.

“What I like about it is that it is a stick shift, and it is a small car so it is easily maneuverable,” Weiss said. “It handles great, has good acceleration, and it looks nice.

You can pop the hardtop off and have a convertible and it probably gets around 30 miles per gal-

onstage.”

Many tech crew members prefer not to be the center of attention, but the audience should still recognize all the hard work they put into each show.

“A lot of tech staff have the personality that wants to be in the shadows, they want to be involved with the production and do their part for the success of the show, without the publicity the actors

experience,” Daniel said. “We are happy knowing we did our job to make the show a success.”

Monthly Motors: David Weiss

Senior David Weiss standing by his Mazda Miata. Weiss got his car from his brother after his brother had gotten a new car. It is a stick shift and it is easy to drive around. It is a different car without being too flashy. Photo by Bobby Mitchell/ The Comets’ Tale lon on average.”

The paint is faded on the front bumper, and the wheels are dirty, but that just shows this machine gets driven. Other than the bumper and dirt on the wheels, this Miata is cherry-it is straight and solid from what I could see.

It just rolled over 160,000 miles, and that continues to go up on daily basis. Weiss drives this car responsibly, despite its sports car status.

“I have never done a burnout,” Weiss said. “I am a good driver and I have only slid it when

its snowy out but never on plain concrete.”

Weiss’s Miata is a departure from the norm, without being flashy, and seeing a first generation miata these days is getting rare. Weiss certainly has a car worth being proud of.

Campus

LIFE Every Tuesday 7:27 pm - 8:57 pm 5222 Dumond Ct., Lansing 48917

Everyone Welcome

Ps.

Getting crafty The Comets’ Tale • Photostory • November 2014

For 19 days the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan held works of art that are part of the international competition known as Art Prize. It has been held annually for the past six years inviting artists and the public to view art and enjoy the city of Grand Rapids.

During Art Prize visitors get to interact with artist, and even see street artists make pieces right in front of the crowds.

Next year’s Art Prize will be held Sept.

23 through Oct. 11, 2015

5

Art Prize returns to Grand Rapids

All Photos by Mary Vu/ The Comets’ Tale

Lanay Clark Lanay Clark is a GLHS senior who got to attend Art Prize this year

Luminous: Interpretations from the heavens and earth, was created by Ryan Staub hailing from Seattle Washington, “ The Illumination series explores the tension between light and darkness in the form of internal lit sculptures.” said Staub in his artist statement.

Q: What was your favorite part?

A: “Seeing all of the paintings inside the B.O.B” (Big Old Building) Q: How long were you at Art Prize?

A: “We went for four hours.”

Q: What were your favorite works of art at Art Prize?

A: “Any of the realism pieces that we saw.”

Q: Would you go again?

A: “Yes. I even went last year.”

Wild Horses by Kathy Wise from Ennett Michigan created this piece in 10 months 1,400 hours. Wise used over 200 board feet of wood making the piece 23 feet by 6 feet.

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Fall into the season The Comets’ Tale • Feature • November 2014

Activities to do this As summer turns into autumn trends start changing season:

What guys can wear:

What girls can wear:

-For the fall, guys love sweatshirts.

Sweatshirts come in all styles, patterns, and colors. Their easy to maintain and they keep you comfy and cozy.

Sweatshirts can be found at any mens apparel store like Hollister or American Eagle.

Average price:20-50 dollars.

-Scarves are also a good fall staple piece. Scarves can spice up any plain outfit and really brings an outfit together. Most girls can find scarves at any department store or local boutique.

Average price:5-15 dollars

Corn mazes are a popular attraction for high school students.

Corn Mazes are considered the perfect fall attraction because they can be toured during the day or night and almost every haunted house has one. Highly visited corn mazes in the state include Terror on 27 in Saint Johns and Debuck’s Corn Maze in Belleville.

-Jeans are important all year long in any girls wardrobe. You can dress them up or dress them down for any outfit Average price:20-50 dollars

-Every guy needs a good pair of jeans.

Jeans are a popular clothing piece for men because they are comfortable and easy to wear. Jeans also bring an outfit together nicely.

Average price: 30-50 dollars -Vans are great to wear all year long and look good with alomst any pants you could wear in the fall. You can find them at Journeys Average price:45-75 dollars

What is your favorite activity in the fall?

-Boots are a fall staple piece in any girls wardrobe. Their comfortable and stylish. Girls can purchase their own boots at any shoe store like DSW or Payless.

Average price:20-40 dollars

Favorite pie flavors from 96 students Apple

Junior Abbey Fenstra “Have bonfires.”

24 percent

Lemon

10 percent

Cherry

Attending cider mills and apple orchards are exciting to young adults. Whether you room around by yourself or with your significant other, It is still enjoyable to walk around the apple orchard and have donuts and apple cider. A well know cider mill in Michigan would have to be Uncle John’s Cider Mill located in Saint Johns,Michigan.

10 percent

Peanut Butter

Senior Oliva Conway

10 percent

“Cross Country.”

Chocolate

4 percent

Pumpkin

27 percent

Other

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places to get Pumpkin Spice lattes

15 percent

1. Starbucks 2. Biggby 3. Tim Hortons 4. Panera Bread 5. Horrocks (Pumpkin Pie Coffee)

Everyone at some point in the fall has to make a jack-o-lantern.

Carving pumpkins is a family friendly and enjoyable activity for all because it gives you the chance to be creative and really scare the pants off someone with your creepy design. Pumpkins can be bought from grocery stores or your local pumpkin patch.

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The Comets’ Tale • Feature • November 2014

New bullying prevention program initiates at GLHS Katie Twarozynski ‘17 After just beCopy Editor coming crowned as homecoming prince at his high school in Washington, Jaylen Fryberg was a happy teenager with a wide group of friends. As of Friday, October 24, though, he and three others are now dead. Fryberg attended school that day and at exactly 10:39, he went to the cafeteria, wounded three, killed three, and eventually took his life as well. Since school shootings are becoming more common, schools in Michigan are deciding to take action.

This year GLHS is adapting OK2Say, a new program that is helping teens in high school throughout Michigan. The program’s goal is to encourage students to contact adults or the people at OK2Say if they feel threatened, are bullied, or if a close friend is being threatened or bullied.

“Our program helps students get in touch with the necessary resources to help resolve issues,” OK2Say’s tip-line authority Colleen Egan said. “We want students’ issues to not interfere with their learning environment.”

The program was created by Bill Schuette, the district attorney general of the state.

The program wishes to achieve many goals around the Lansing area, some including empowering Michigan students, parents, and school personnel to respond to safety threats. Ever since OK2Say has been running, they have received a number of students contacting them and reporting issues.

“I want to enable students to report incidents confidentially,” Egan said. “Our schools can become a much safer place if we can cut out bullying and mean remarks for good.”

If students feel uncomfortable anonymously expressing their problems to OK2Say, Egan suggests the students get in touch with a trusted adult. The violence in schools today comes out of keeping secrets inside and not trusting those around the school or at home.

“Do not wait to report the situation!” Egan said. “Get in touch with your principals, resources officers, parents, and OK2Say to address the situation.”

GLHS principal Steve Gabriel has a positive outlook on this program. He hopes to hear some good feedback from teachers and students who have a positive experience with OK2Say. “I think the program can be a good thing if used correctly,” Gabriel said. “It is state man-

dated, so therefore, I have confidence that it must be a good opportunity for students who are going through hardships at school.”

Since bullying and threats have unfortunately become a problem in recent years with more school shootings and intruders entering buildings, different groups around the state have bonded together to help represent this new program. With more representation, OK2Say hopes to spread protection to schools farther than just the Lansing area.

OK2Say is also part of the Student Safety Initiative Act of 2013, which was passed by Governor Rick Snyder.

“The Department of Attorney General has collaborated with the Department of State Police,” officials with OK2Say said. “The Department of Community Health, Department of Education, Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the Department of Human Services are also responsible in creating the OK2Say program.”

Promoting the program has not caused any challenges so far with the group. With tentative parents and students watching the news each night, the program has been able to grab the attention of thousands around the area.

“OK2Say has been launched across Michigan by the process of releasing press conferences,” officials said. “Alongside that, school presentations can be requested along with flyers and handouts. We are also promoted through local news and radio broadcasts.”

Along with Gabriel, an abundance of students are interested in this program as well.

When told about what the program entails, sophomore Bailey Bauer showed enthusiasm.

“If I was ever having any trouble, I would definitely try this out,” Bauer said. “I will also try to encourage my friends to help spread the word about OK2Say. I agree with everyone on this subject; bullying and violence should be stopped.”

Thankfully, an abundance of self harming episodes and violence have been diminished.

Since their recent launch date, OK2Say has been a part of processing various tips regarding school safety. These antics have effectively promoted the program’s purpose.

“This year, we hope to see school violence rates take a dramatic drop,” officials said.

“As more schools come to promote our program, this goal can be achieved.”

Gabby Cushman sits texting on her phone. With OK2Say, Cushman can now alert any bullying she sees around the high school to the anonymous source. With active participation in this program, all students can prevent bullying and create a safer enviroment around the high school Photo by Katie Twarozynski/The Comets’ Tale

Tips and tricks for living healthy Colleges are Angela Pontius ‘16 Staff Writer

After she was finished having children, Julie Harvey Harberts made the decision to be a personal trainer in the Warren and Utica area.

“My weight and body started changing and others were noticing and asking me what I was doing,” Harvey Harberts said. “Thats when I decided to get certified and make this my career.”

Harvey Harberts chose her new profession because she enjoyed participating in exercise classes and running in her neighborhood. After months of working out, she turned her fun hobby into a successful business.

Having a background in personal training, Harvey Harberts feels that it is beneficial to adults health to exercise daily because working out decreases one’s risk for certain health defects as well as gives one’s body the energy you need.

“Exercise is a stress reducer,” Harvey Harberts said. “Physical activity can reduce the risk of many health issues and it just makes you feel better.”

She went on to talk about how adults should be active and act as a role model to our young people. Adults, especially parents, should show their children how important it is to exercise and be active.

Other than exercising and working out, eating healthy is another key component in battling obesity.

“An exercise program will only work if good diet is involved, said Harvey Harberts. “ I’ve seen it with clients Senior Devona Strode shows her mom how to properly put on protective gear for as well as with members in my gym. You can work out as her Health Technology class at LCC. Strode is enrolled in this class as a jump start much as you want, but if your eating habits are horrible and to her career in the health field. Courtesy Photo you are putting in more calories than you are burning, no changes will occur.” thyroid, and gallbladder.

Beyond being heart healthy is proper hygiene in one’s daily routine. FuWhile exercising and dieting are a great way to start a healthy lifestyle,self ture pediatric nurse or midwife junior Tasia Bird is currently attending LCC control is a key component to a successful weight loss. every morning to fulfill her dream of having a profession in the healthcare Donnalee Pontius has been a registered nurse for over 14 years as well as industry. Bird has learned many valuable lessons at LCC, but one thing that a mother of three children. Pontius says that if a person does not have self has stuck with her so far is one thing many people do not know how to do. control, that individual will find it very difficult to say no.

“How to wash your hands properly,” Bird said. “Almost everyone is doing “If you don’t have self control, than overeating and indulging on things it wrong and leaving a lot of germs on their hands.” that are not good for you will lead to obesity,” Pontius said. “Obesity can Being clean and healthy outside your body is just as important on the lead to greater health problems as you get older too.” inside. In today’s society, it is important for adults to have a nourishing Self control is influenced by factors such as information from magazines diet, a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, and live a healthy lifestyle. and the internet. About 23 percent of women and 14 percent of men have The Center of Disease Control Prevention states that more than one-third high self-control while 34 percent women of and 23 percent of men have low of U.S. adults are obese because of unhealthy diet, a lack of exercise and no self-control. Self control is important because people need to be able to say self control. no and have the mindset that they can do better than that.

CDC mission is to save the lives of people who are obese and overweight “I recommend people track what they eat and drink by either writing it because they have a higher risk for developing conditions such as Coro- down, or by using an app on their phone,” Harvey Harberts said. “Most peonary heart disease, type two diabetes, and various cancers in the colon and ple have NO idea how many calories they consume in a day. Once they track breast. To prevent these health risks, it is important for adults to get at least it for a few weeks, it is often clear as to why they are overweight.”

30 minutes of exercise each day and eat fruits and vegetables and avoid If there’s one thing that every adult should do in their life to try and live a fried food. healthy lifestyle, it should be to never give up trying.

According to the National Cancer Institute, some foods can be seen as “If you find that you don’t like running, try walking, biking, or Zumba,” cancer fighting foods. NCI is one of the eleven agencies that is apart of the Harvey Harberts said. “Eventually you will find something that you will National Institutes of Health. This year alone, Cancer is expected to kill al- stick with. Also surrounding yourself with others in a similar situation also most 8 million people worldwide. Cancer increases the risk of disease in helps as a motivator.” your esophagus, breast, endometrium, colon and rectum, kidney, pancreas,

Mom 2 Mom Sale

Grand Ledge High School - 820 Spring Street (Spring St. and W. Kent St.) Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon For more information contact Sara-Beth Badalamente at: badalamentes@glcomets.net or call 517-925-5848 Proceeds to benefit the Grand Ledge High School Journalism Program and Holbrook Early Childhood Center

coming for students

College is: “freedom to become Sarah Clinkscales ‘15 my own individual,” College is: Managing Editor intimidating, but necessary,” College is: “a new and exciting experience,” College is: “growing up.”

College week is here: Nov. 3 - 7. The program is a new idea put together by the school counselors, Dawn Anderson and Stacey Woodsworth, as well as the student council. The goal is to show seniors and juniors some of their college options, and hopefully encourage them to apply to any type of higher education. At last count, 93 out of current 414 seniors, which is 22 percent, have applied to numerous colleges.

Like Spirit Week, College Week will have fun activities and themed days. According to Anderson, kicking off the week students and staff should go all out in their college gear. Also teachers will talk about their college experience and share career pathways for students. There will be two contests available for both students and staff. Teachers who decorate their doors with their Alma Mater have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and five students will also have a chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card by entering a Twitter contest answering “College is…”.

Starting Nov. 4 students can meet with counselors in the library during designated time periods to complete college applications.

Two weeks ago seniors had their first senior meeting and the finality of graduating is starting to set in. College Week is an opportunity for seniors to think about college if they have not already and have help with the process.

Where did they go to college?

Ara Parseghian College: MSU Why: “It has one of the best education programs in the nation right in my backyard.”

Richard Pochert College: Princeton Why: “It is the most prestigious college and I had the opportunity. I could not pass it up.”

Marcee Laudick College: Aquinas, CMU, Olivet Why: “I loved marketing and took that then went back to get my marketing degree.”

Steve Baker College: Ferris State Why: “I loved baseball and went for a law and business curriculum.”

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The Comets’ Tale • Student Life • November 2014

Cigarettes, sexiness and sass take over the stage Bry Leach ‘15 News Editor

Grease is the word at GLHS this fall, although maybe an inappropriate one.

With seven minute stage kisses, a pregnancy scare, and “cigarettes” on stage, Grease is one of the more racy productions that the high school has seen.

“There are some risque and sexual scenes—it’s not quite as bad as the movie but there are some adult-content type things similar to ‘Les Miserables,’ which also had adult content,” director Tracey Clark said. “I would say it’s no worse than Les Mis. Les Mis had drinking and Grease has drinking. Grease has fake cigarettes, Les Mis didn’t have fake cigarettes. Les Mis had prostitutes, Grease doesn’t have prostitutes, but there is kissing.”

Senior Rachel Rayl plays bad girl Rizzo, which she and Clark agree is the most controversial character portrayed. Rayl feels that Rizzo is a relatable character on an emotional level, however, noting how Rizzo has a confidence and spunk that Rayl herself relates to.

“She kind of has an attitude and is a little mean sometimes, and I have an attitude and I can be a little mean sometimes — but she’s also really positive and believes in herself, so I can connect with the role a little bit,” Rayl said. “She’s very badass in the sense that she doesn’t really care what other people think about her and I like that about her, too.”

However, Rizzo’s “I don’t care” attitude goes a little farther than Rayl would relate to, like in scenes where the teenager shows off her bad side.

“Rizzo is very risque, she thinks that she’s pregnant and her and Knickey get it on a little bit,” Rayl said.

Many of the actors are pushed out of their comfort zone by the edgy show, but Clark said her cast handles it well. Most of the “awkward moments” have come during the first rehearsals of specific scenes, when performers have experienced their first Grease stage kiss.

“You know you’re kissing in front of all these people and even though it’s not a “real” kiss, it’s real,” Clark said.

With only two weeks left before the first curtain is drawn, shows are already selling out despite the content.

“I remember being young and watching it, and now as an adult I’m like wow I can’t believe my parents let me watch that, but at that point I didn’t get the context of the stuff,” Clark said. “Some people say it’s a kid friendly show and I think that depends on the parent. I’m bringing my kids because I think it’s a kid friendly show and if my kids have a question about it I can talk to them about it. I say to parents, ‘Have you seen the movie?’ and they say ‘yes’ so I say ‘well then you know what could potentially be in it and if you’re comfortable with your kids seeing that or talking to them about that then bring them.’”

The generation of John Travolta and Olivia Newton—John fans are expected to make a big turnout to the musical, although Clark points out that some lifetime fans will be shocked by the differences from the 1978 movie to the musical.

“I think a lot of people will come because a lot of people love Grease, especially my generation,” Clark said. “They love the songs and it’s fun. A lot of people will come because they have a fondness from their childhood.”

Top: Senior Jake Wilson and junior Olivia Conaty practice their roles, Kenickie and Rizzo.

Right: Wilson and Conaty work together on a scene. They will perform together in the Blue cast during the fall musical.

Middle: Senior Rachel Rayl recites her lines. Rayl plays Rizzo in the Gold cast for Grease.

Left: Cast members practice their various parts in preparation for the show, opening Nov.13.

Photos by Bry Leach/ The Comets’ Tale

More information about Grease can be found at

glmusicals.net

Bottom: Cast members rehearse their roles on stage during blocking, when some are learning what to do during a specific scene.

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The Comets’ Tale • Sports • November 2014

From all around dance student to dance teacher love for dance.

“I want to show them that they can have fun and be themselves when they get to dance,” Ramsey said. “Because that is one part that I love, that I can be myself, so I would hope that those girls can see that and learn that as well.”

Even though Ramsey has been dancing for her entire life, she was still worried about making mistakes at her first class as a student teacher.

“I was just afraid that when I was demonstrating what the girls needed to do I would mess up, or of getting in the way of the teacher, or of making the little stupid mistakes that I would not normally do,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey student teaches in three different classes at Rising Star.

The first is a competition jazz class with girls between the ages of nine and thirteen. The second is a ballet class with girls between the ages of five and seven. And the third is a technique class for girls taking a jazz class that do not have a ballet background. Despite this, she is still able to balance all her other responsibilities.

“It is an adjustment, being able to balance going from home, to school, to dance, to doing homework and AP classes and all that,” Ramsey said. “It is a transition, but I make the best of it and I work as hard as I can to find that balance with my assisting and my own dance classes and school.”

Not only is Ramsey balancing all her responsibilities outside of dance, but she is also balancing her personal classes with the ones she assists. This means she will have her own routines, along with the student teaching routines which totals to about eight dance routines to keep straight.

“I have a very good memory, so I can speed learn and pick up moves and routines very easily and I retain them,” Ramsey said.

Along with her good memory, she says that staying focused during each class is another

Taylor Kennaugh ‘16 Staff Writer

For some people, it takes a long time to find something they are passionate about, but junior Kalli Ramsey is not one of them. She was on the dance floor from the very beginning, taking her very first dance class at the age of three. Now, thirteen years later, she is still happily dancing.

“It has always just been a big part of my life,” Ramsey said. “My sisters both did dance when they were little and when they were in high school so I, as the little sister, kind of followed in their footsteps and I am very glad I did.”

Ramsey has done many different dance classes of all genres, from ballet to hip-hop, jazz to lyrical.

Because of this variety, it is challenging for her to choose a favorite.

“My favorite is probably hip-hop because of the fact that it is fast paced and fun. I can let loose and be out of my element,” Ramsey said. “Ballet on pointe is my other favorite because it is so graceful and fun, and it is not something everyone can do.”

Recently, Ramsey got the opportunity to become a student teacher at the Rising Star in downtown Grand Ledge. Her normally busy schedule was cleared a little this year and she was able to take on student teaching at the dance studio.

Assisting at her dance studio had always been a goal of Ramsey’s.

Now, every Thursday night from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., she is helping at the studio.

“I’m there to do whatever the teacher needs me to do,” Ramsey said. “I mainly demonstrate the moves that the girls need to do.”

She learns the girls’ recital routines, performs at the same time as them backstage so they have a reference if they fall behind, and helps them fix their mistakes in class. Ramsey is just trying her best to be a role model for the kids, and passing on her

Every Thursday night from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Junior Kalli Ramsey student teaches a competition jazz class, a ballet class and a technique class for girls taking jazz to dance students at the Rising Star in downtown Grand Ledge. Including her own dance routines, Ramsey must keep track of eight total dance routines.

Photo by Taylor Kennaugh/ The Comets’ Tale important part to keeping all the crazy, they want to have fun, but studios and as a top-level dancer, Ramsey’s favorite things about different routines straight. when its time to dance and warm they all look up to you,” Ramsey dance; the feeling of being on “When I go to my classes I am in up and stuff you have to have said. “They all want to be you stage and performing. that routine, I am in that mode of patience with them,” Ramsey one day and it is nerve-wracking “I guess [my favorite part is] what I am doing,” Ramsey said. said. because you want to be the best the feeling that you get when you “When I go to assisting, I am An important part to student that you can be. But at the same dance,” Ramsey said. “I mean switching gears, and I am focused teaching at the dance studio is time it is stressful because you do there is this euphoria in dancing, on that.” being a role model for all of the not want to disappoint.” you get this happy feeling, you Although Ramsey is shooting for young dancers. The kids look up Ramsey is looking forward feel proud, it makes you feel good all positives in this experience, to the student teacher almost to watching the girls grow and about what you do.” she does recognize that there as much as they look up to the gain new dancing abilities.

Because of the student teaching, will be some challenges. Working teacher. These can be big shoes She is hoping that the girls’ Ramsey is getting the chance with children can sometimes be a to fill and sometimes puts extra appreciation for dance increases to do something she loves, struggle. pressure on the student teachers and she is hoping she helps them while also helping others find “You have got to have a lot of to be good role models. understand how great dancing something that they love. patience because the kids are “There are so many kids at the can make you feel. That is one of

Future Varsity Athlete

Freshman Karson Shirey dedicates his time to his two favorite sports: football and baseball, in hopes of playing varsity Jenna Hopkins-Luoma ‘18

Guest Writer Growing up being a sports fanatic is no difficult life for freshman Karson Shirey. In his past 14 years he has played a variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, football and baseball, leaving Shirey with the two sports he liked the most: Football and Baseball.

While being a star athlete in both football and baseball, he plays second and third base, catcher, and linemen.

“I’m way better at baseball than football which makes it more enjoyable to play,” Shirey said. “I rather be running back instead of linemen in football.”

Winning states three years in

a row, his baseball team got to go down to Kentucky to play in Regionals. After playing different teams from all over, Shirley’s team took fourth. One of his best moments was winning states. He played a good game getting four hits in the first game and two in the second game.

Becoming the best he could be at sports did not happen over night. Without the help of his “hero’s” Shirey wouldn’t be the athlete he is today.

“My dad is one who got me into sports,” Shirey said. “My uncle Scott got me into playing baseball though. They both made me into the player I am today.”

Football Safety at GLHS Savannah Wear ‘15 Staff Writer

Within one week, three high school football players died. First, 17-year-old Isaiah Langston from Rolesville High School in North Carolina collapsed on the field right before his football game on Sept. 26. Then Demario Harris, a 17-year-old from Charles Henderson High School in Alabama, died on Sept. 28, two days after he made a tackle in a football game. Lastly, 16-year-old Tom Cutinella from ShorehamWading River High School suffered such a serious head injury from his football game on Oct. 1 then he died at Long Island’s Huntington Hospital that night. All three fatalities were the result of what is said to be the second most dangerous high school sport: football.

When it comes to football at Grand Ledge High School, varsity coach Matt Bird has been spending the past 16 years ensuring that his football players

5 Things you didn’t know about Mr. Bird

are as protected as they can be on the field.

“Safety is our number one concern,” Bird said. “Early on when I started coaching you would see a lot of helmets come off. You don’t see a lot of that anymore. The technology in the helmets have changed.”

Not only do GL football players get the top-of-the-line helmets, they are also trained with the correct techniques that ensure their safety.

“Sometimes it’s not so much the helmet contact, it’s the whiplash of the kid going down and the smackdown [that causes injury],” Bird said.

If any players do face an injury during a game, there are always ambulances present, a physician Dr. Julie Dodds is at most of the home games, and GLHS’s certified trainer, Heather Kleiman is always there.

“Last year, we had the ambulance out three or four times, but they were all fine” Kleiman said. “We don’t face major injuries very

Favorite Pizza Topping: 1. Bacon could be a superhero, 2. Ifhehewould be Superman

3.

Pet peeve: open mouth breathing

4.

Has been to 35 different states

5.

Guilty Pleasure: going to restaurants

often. But the risks are there.”

The chances of a GL football player actually dying on the field are extremely slim. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research, there have only been 111 fatalities of high school football players since 1982.

“One thing to consider is that was three out of millions of football players in the country,” Kleiman said. “You hear about it more because of the Internet, everything is so accessible.”

According to Bird, one of the most common injuries football players experience on the field is the concussion. Although, the number of concussions per year is usually under 10 out of about 140 students in the program.

“We’ve been in pretty good shape,” Kleiman said. “The guys do participate in good conditioning programs, they learn the technique. Our youth program works on proper technique as well, so they learn it early on.”

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Ft.

The Comets’ Tale • Feature • November 2014

10

Meet GL. “Where Did You Come From?”

Vol. 1

Hello.

Meet Hailey.

14-year-old country girl, pageant queen and varsity cheerleader Hailey Stroud is determined to someday be Miss Michigan and pursue her dreams of attending Michigan State University.

Hailey had not just a love for pageants, but also an endless dream for them. A dream of winning back-to-back Ultimate Grand Supreme titles. Her room is full of trophies and success she has had through her pageantry career.

“Ever since I was four years old I knew this was something special,” Stroud said. “I never would have thought I would still be doing such an amazing thing this far into my life. I love pageants, always have, and always will.”

Pageants were not the only thing that inspired Hailey. The endless love and inspiration she has for her brothers are far more love able than pageantry. One of her two brothers has a learning disability that has changed her life in a sensitive way. He’s only 13 and he is a continuous fighter.

His learning disability is separate from the incapability of his intestines functioning properly because he constantly is in and out of the hospital and unable to have the time to learn at the average level.

“He’s a huge part of my life,” Stroud said. “I’m so proud of how he’s handled everything. He’s truly my hero.”

Hailey has a love for kids and dreams of helping kids in the future “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Stroud said. “I would love to someday teach younger kids routines for pageants and inspire them to continue pursuing their dreams.”

Hailey has traveled all over the United States competing in difficult pageants.

With her long brown hair and high-heeled boots, Hailey is an overall always smiling, caring, and passionate country girl with a big heart and not just a desire, but also a dream.

Story by Peyton Jorgensen/ Guest Writer

Hello.

Meet Katy.

Since Thomas came to GL she gained new friends, with similar interests.

On the other end, Thomas has lost time to spend with someone who she cares about. Jared.

“My brother’s three years behind me in school,” Thomas said. “We’ve never really gone to the same school, but we have completely different schedules so I hardly ever see him.”

Before Thomas transferred she and Jared spent a lot of time together.

“My brother and I fight all the time, but he has always there to cheer me up and I’ll always be there for him,” Thomas said. “I feel like we have more good moments than bad, and that’s what brings us together.”

Thomas already has her future planned out.

“I’m going to finish swimming all throughout high school and hopefully get a scholarship for college. Then I’m going to study to become a Veterinarian.”

Thomas is a sister, a swimmer, and a comet. Thomas has worked hard and won six meets since she transferred here and she will continue to work hard and win more meets.

She gave up everything to swim.

Her friends. Her school. Her district. Swimming is sophomore Katie Thomas’s life. When she heard that there was no swim team in her high school she did something about it.

“I really wanted to swim in high school, and Portland wouldn’t let me swim for Grand Ledge and still go to Portland,” Thomas said.

“So, I transfered.”

Thomas came to Grand Ledge last year for her freshman year.

“It’s been different,” Thomas said. “It’s a good different though. I met a bunch of people who I probably never would have talked to.”

It took a long time for Thomas to decide to be a Comet.

“I grew up with the 130 kids in my grade,” Thomas said. “I went to kindergarten and preschool with them. It was hard.”

Thomas is now a member of the varsity swim team. Thomas’s favorite event is the 500 freestyle.

Her best time on the freestyle is 5 minutes 50 seconds.

Story by Claire Davidson/ Guest Writer

Hello.

Meet Jenna.

Softball player, competitive dancer and an honor roll student, freshman Jenna Luoma hopes to be a student at Michigan State or South Carolina University.

Jenna was a lockdown pitcher and played third base until she tore a ligament in her shoulder and dislocated her rotator cuff.

After her injury she changed to right field and left field because she couldn’t throw.

“In my seventh year of softball I was on Grand Ledge and we were playing our rivals Holt,” Luoma said. “The score was four to three we were winning going into the last inning. Holt was up to bat and they brought me in too pitch, and I struck out all three of their batters in a row.”

The older Jenna got, the least she enjoyed softball. Too much winning defiantly made losing harder.

“I think I didn’t like it as

much because when I was little up to seventh grade we were undefeated every year, then our eighth grade year we lost almost every game and I got hurt so I lost interest,” Luoma said.

Her dad really encourages Jenna to stay in softball and pushes her to practice a lot.

“My nana really helps me keep my grades on track, my dad teaches me sports and helps me enjoy them, and my mom just keeps me on track in general,” Luoma said.

Another one of Jenna’s hobbies is dancing. Not only one genre of dance, but multiple kinds.

“I do Hip-Hop, a mandatory ballet class, and junior line which is a higher jazz class,” Luoma said.

She practices every Thursday for three hours at her dance studio.

“We do four or five competitions in March and we get first or second every time.” Jenna said. “I guess practice makes perfect.”

Jenna’s favorite part about dancing is traveling to competitions and staying in hotels with her team.

Story by Karson Shirey/ Guest Writer