February 2015

#MCP LAKEVIEW’S NEWEST CLUB IS THE MUSIC COLLABORATION PROJECT. LEARN ALL ABOUT IT ON PG 3.

GYM WARS NOW THAT THE SEASON OF GIVING AND BINGING IS OVER, IT’S TIME TO GET BACK IN SHAPE. ON PGS. 6 AND 7, TWO OF BC’S HOTTEST GYMS ARE COMPARED.

MIXTAPE MANIA SENIOR SEVIN SAYCOCIE AND JUNIOR SEBASTIAN EVEREST BATTLE ON PG 10 FOR THE TITLE OF “GREATEST RAPPER EVER.”

Coping With Depression LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

THE

CRYSTAL The Crystal Volume 80, Issue 4

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News

Jon Haadsma

Michigan Reporter

And the quest for the best standardized test Rachel Silverman / photos by

O

n January 7, the state of Michigan announced that it had shot the ACT in the recycling bin. It didn’t take very long for the SAT to persuade them that the state should adopt their test as the official college entrance exam. A big factor that played into the decision making of the Michigan Department of Education was the money. The three-year deal with the SAT will save the state of Michigan $15.3 million from what the ACT would have cost them. Although the SAT is the new state test, it does not mean the ACT is dead in Michigan. Colleges in Michigan will still accept both tests and test dates will still be available to take the ACT.

SAT Details

for the math and science portions of the ACT three times a year and now, with the switch, that time might not mean much for some.

“The preparation doesn’t matter at all because we’re not going to take it, but were still going to have to take the ACT. So we’ll probably have to pay for it and take it on our own time anyways, so it’s just kind of frustrating,” sophomore Margo Miller said.

Some look at the switch in a different light. They think it is still a standardized test, so nothing will be all that different.

“I’m studying the same material, it is just scored different, maybe a little different. Other than that it doesn’t really matter to me; I’m going to study as hard as I can for all my “It doesn’t tell you a lot subjects anyway,” sophomore Brian about a person at all. It Bockland said. Only time will tell the tells you what they are ca- effects that this may have on students, for many sophomores the change pable of in a standardized but comes at an expense.

The College Board is working on transitioning the SAT examination to a more evidence-based assessment approach.

These changes will allow the college entrance examination to be more aligned with Michigan standards. This will be sense.” -Taylor Brown the first sweeping change the SAT has Does it really determine undergone since 2005. Current juniors how smart you are? will still be taking the ACT this year, With the switch from the ACT to the 2015 current sophomores will be the first to test the waters SAT, the question of ‘do standardized tests really determine when the test will be unveiled during the spring of 2016 during how smart you are?’ has been brought to the forefront. the statewide test date.

“It (standardized tests) doesn’t tell you a lot about a person

The Student Reaction

When the Michigan Department of Education announced the change, many were caught off guard and there were a lot of questions surrounding the change. With some of the current sophomores already in full preparation mode for the ACT, the switch made it seem like just another barrier to overcome.

“It’s kind of a waste of money because you have to pay to take the ACT if you’re not a junior yet. I’m just so focused on college that switching from the ACT to the SAT is a roadblock,” sophomore Elena Bravo said.

The Battle Creek Math and Science Center prides themselves in preparing their students for the ACT. They practice

at all. It tells you what they are capable of in a standardized sense,” senior Taylor Brown said.

A lot of our future depends on how we do on a standardized test. For some the pressure gets to them, for others they embrace the pressure.

“There are different types of intelligence and it doesn’t give a whole big representation of how smart you are. For example, there are people who get B’s and C’s in school but then they get a 33 on the ACT. So that system may not be right for you, you may just do well on tests. Standardized testing isn’t completely a perfect system to really judge someone’s intelligence,” junior Na’kia Channey said.

February 2015

“I’m still salty about Harvard denying me. It was just one of those things where you get it in the mail and you’re just like man, you guys think I’m stupid don’t you?”

-Jaden Sebring, senior “I think they should just get hippies to look into our souls and then tell us where to go.”

-Maggie Wood, freshman “Personalities are where it’s really at, so if a person is nice, or funny, or smart like why wouldn’t you have that person in your college than some stupid smart person?”

-Deji Jubreel, sophomore “No one in life is going to come up to you and ask who is the 27th president; they’re going to ask you actual important things.”

-Justice Collins, sophomore

Arts and Entertainment

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The Crystal Introduces the

Music Collaboration Project T

he beautiful thing about music is that it speaks to all kinds of people. It doesn’t matter what language you speak or who you are, you can still enjoy a good song.

With this idea in mind, seniors Taylor Brown and Jon Haadsma, along with advisor Jake Zimmerman, decided that creating a club at the school would be perfect for bringing all kinds of people together to enjoy music.

“Taylor, Jon and I were all talking about music one day and they thought it would be really cool to create a music club where you could all listen to music and talk about how it makes you feel and what you were thinking when you listened to it,” Zimmerman said. “It’s like a book club for music.”

The Music Collaboration Project meets every Wednesday after school and exposes the minds of every member to music they have never experienced before. Since it is a discussion based club, they will vote on different albums to listen to and then share what about it they enjoyed. They will not be limited to

any one type of music, because there’s more than one type of person.

“I feel like music appeals to so many different people because there are so many different kinds of music,” junior Olivia Fleury said.”Every person is different.

Their experiences, likes, dislikes and the way they were raised affects how their mind processes things. Music means something different to each person.”

Being curious about this club myself, I sat in on one of their meetings and truly enjoyed what I saw. The atmosphere was laid back, and the people were extremely friendly. It’s a club that brings all types of people from the high school together to enjoy a commonality and each other. Here, they are able to pursue a passion and gather an appreciation for the passion of others.

“Music has always been really important to me. Ever since I was little I was fascinated that people could make sounds that made me feel things,” Fleury said.

The Music Collaboration Project is an exciting new club that is open to any student interested.

Paige Tobin Editor-In-Chief

Good luck at Regionals!

Stevo

Mason Chase

“Running” - Laidacker

Jon Stephon

Cole

“Eat the crossface like Cinnamon Toast Crunch” - Dunham The Crystal

“Textbook” - Laidacker

#FroggyFresh

Thank you to all of the senior wrestlers who have helped build this program. You have helped to continue our legacy and we wish you the best of luck in your future and we hope to see you again!

#BCOG’s

‘15 wrestling Great Season, Lakeview Wrestlers!

Arts and Entertainment

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GRAMMY SHAMMY

L

Bailey Gastian

From FOUR to 1989 Taryn Snyder

News Editor

A&E Editor

ike many, I spent Sunday February 8 on my couch with my eyes glued to my television screen. It was the 57th Annual Grammy Awards and being a self-proclaimed music buff; I held the naïve hope that this would be the year that the Grammy folks didn’t completely mess up.

However, I was, just as last year and the year before that, sorely disappointed when the show once again proved that it is not about the quality of the artist but who the artist knows.

This year there were many things that the Grammys messed up but there’s one award I want to focus on.

The Grammy community has never favored the rock/ metal genre, going as far as to snub legendary Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman during the 2014 show’s in memoriam segment, which caused an uproar by members and fans alike. If that wasn’t bad enough this year, the Grammy’s took it to an entirely new level.

This year, the Best Metal Performance was awarded to Tenacious D for their cover of Ronnie James Dio’s hit “The Last In Line,” which beat out music from legendary metalers Anthrax, Mastodon, Motorhead and Slipknot.

I have a few problems with this. First, THEY AWARDED A GRAMMY FOR A COVER SONG. While I admit, it was a really good cover, there is no way it should have even been nominated for a Grammy let alone win one.

The second issue I have with this particular Grammy is that Tenacious D isn’t even a real metal band, they are a comedy rock duo that is fronted by Jack Black, JACK FREAKING BLACK. I don’t deny that they are musicians and they have some really cool original stuff, but I am personally a tad ticked that they beat out bands who have consistently furthered the genre.

This was the Grammy’s way of finally slapping the metal community in the face. After years of snubs and poorly chosen winners, the Grammy’s gave a big middle finger to the metal community and has finally let us know that it doesn’t respect the craftsmanship and talent that goes into metal music.

I don’t know what I was expecting; the Grammy’s and I have never really agreed, but, at this point, I’m pretty sure that if I ever meet the people who pick these awards something serious will go down.

Ever since they released their first hit single, “What Makes You Beautiful” off of their Up All Night album in 2011, the five young men who make up the boyband One Direction have hardly gotten a break. Although they had been on their “Where We Are Tour” for almost a year after releasing their third studio album Midnight Memories, they still managed to create a whole album for us while on the road. The new album features their hit song “Steal My Girl” which was released back on Spetember 29, 2014.

Nicki Minaj shows a different side of herself on her newest album The Pinkprint. Not only does Minaj rap on her third studio album, but she also shows how well she can sing in her ballad “Grand Piano”. After the first song from this album, “Anaconda” was released, many thought that it would be very upbeat and playful like her first two albums, but Minaj surprised us all with a very mature sound. Also featured on this album alongside Minaj are Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Jeremih, Lunchmoney Lewis, Skylar Grey, and Meek Mill.

Nick Jonas finally made his way back into the music industry after his short reunion with his band, the Jonas Brothers, alongside his two brothers Joe and Kevin Jonas, with his self titled album. Nick was a solo artist and he toured with his band, The Administration, but his albums were not nearly as successful back then. It’s clear that Nick is no longer an innocent Disney boy due to his very mature lyrics in songs like “Jealous” and “Chains”. This album features appearances by Angel Haze and former Disney co-star Demi Lovato.

Taylor Swift is one of the most well known names in music, but her sound is completely different on her album 1989 than previous albums. 1989 is her first pop album and it showed a whole other side to Swift’s music abilities. Her album included hit singles “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and, most recently, “Style”. The album was expected to sell between 800,000 and 900,000 copies in the first week, but ended up being the highest grossing album of 2014, selling over 1.2 million copies in the first week. 1989 was the first album to go platinum in 2014.

February 2015

Health

With clean eating being the trend of today, food companies are trying to market their foods as being more nutritious. But how can we be so sure? It’s easy to be tricked by labels shouting out words at us like all natural and organic. To most people, these words may seem the same, however, understanding the difference can make your plate much healthier. When food is produced under approved methods by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is free of synthetic fertilizers, it can be labeled as organic and certified by the USDA. Organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution and encourage conservation of water and soil. When packages say the food is natural, this might be a trick. Often, companies are just using the term as an attempt to create a buzz to get people to potentially pay a little bit extra to think they’re being healthier by buying that product. To make sure you’re getting your money’s worth when trying to have a cleaner cart at the grocery store, check the labels for symbols such as USDA Organic and Non-GMO.

IS YOUR FOOD

STRAWBERRIES

GMO -

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GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This science is fairly new and creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature nor through traditional cross breeding methods. Most nations consider GMOs to be unsafe, however, the United States has approved GMOs. Many studies have discovered that that numerous health problems have been on the rise since GMOs were introduced in 1996. Even though there is not significant evidence yet that GMOs are the exact reason for an increase in health problems such as food allergies, autism, reproductive disorders, digestive problems and more, many doctors’ groups highly recommend protecting ourselves from GMOs. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization with a goal to protect the non-GMO food supply and to inform consumers on what is in their food. Right now, almost 80% of conventional processed food contains GMOs and is often unlabeled. To be sure to avoid foods containing GMOs, look on the back of the product for a nonGMO label.

Julia Miller

All of the tiny bumps on these berries make it hard to wash off the 13 pesticides that are used on non-organic strawberries.

Feature Editor

Photos by // Rachel Silverman

FOOD

WATER BOTTLES

Important Foods to Buy Organic

BEEF

Many hard plastic reusable water bottles contain Bisphenol A which can increase a risk for breast cancer. Try sipping from unlined stainless steel or BPA free plastic bottles.

Look for USDA certification when buying beef to avoid the massive doses of antibiotics cows receIve usually receive.

DRINK

FOOD

POPCORN

CELERY Stalks of celery are very porous and retain the pesticides that they are sprayed with.

Non-organic celery can contain up to thirteen different pesticides.

FOOD The Crystal

A toxic chemical perfluoroctanoic acid is used on popcorn to prevent it from sticking to the paper bag. It can have negative effects on the immune, nervous and endocrine systems.

FOOD

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Sports

Planet Fitness Planet Fitness is located at 294 Highland Ave, right next to the Speedway gas station. Planet Fitness has been open since the end of December 2014.

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Nick Jones

Sports Editor

THINGS ABOUT PLANET FITNESS

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Planet Fitness Mission Statement “We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone – and we mean anyone – can be comfortable. A diverse, Judgement Free Zone® where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. Our product is a tool, a means to an end; not a brand name or a mold-maker, but a tool that can be used by anyone. In the end, it’s all about you. As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected.

We are not here to kiss your butt, only to kick it if that’s what you need.” www.planetfitness.com

C

hoosing a gym is like choosing a car, a consumer will look at all aspects. These aspects can be things such as comfort, size, luxury and style. Two popular gyms in Battle Creek, Blue Moon Fitness and Planet Fitness, offer two different styles of fitness.

“If you are wanting to lose weight, Planet Fitness is the best atmosphere for that, while Blue Moon is for those who want to get more muscular,” junior Wil Dean said. Dean has been attending Planet Fitness

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The cost of a regular membership includes a $39 down payment with an additional $10 per month. This includes a t-shirt, unlimited access to the Battle Creek location and unlimited training. A PF Black Card requires no down payment but requires a monthly payment of $19.99. The Black Card includes everything in the regular membership but also includes privileges such as use of hydromassages, tanning and haircuts.

since it opened in December. Before attending Planet Fitness, Dean had attended Blue Moon for two years, getting to visualize both sides of the spectrum.

“At Planet Fitness, there are a lot more treadmills, but at Blue Moon, there are heavier free weights,” Dean said. “It all depends on personal preference.”

There is one city, two popular gyms and thousands of people. All in all, Planet Fitness and Blue Moon, although distinctly different in style and size, have the same goal of helping others become fit.

February 2015

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Courtesy Photo // Amy Jones

Rules and Regulations: - No grunting or groaning - No foul language - No dropping weights - No jeans or work boots allowed while exercising - No cell phone conversations on the exercise floor - No string or muscle tank tops - No deadlifting - No gallon size water jugs allowed, but regular size is allowed - No bags, coats or purses on the exercise floor

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Roberto Lara, junior “Planet Fitness has a ton of cardio machines, tanning, body toning machines and massage chairs. I like to use the water jet sliders.”

Sports

Blue Moon Fitness Blue Moon Fitness is located at 5700 Beckley Road, connected with ABC Warehouse. The gym has been open since May 2011.

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THINGS ABOUT BLUE MOON

Courtesy Photo // Amy Jones

Saige Valella, senior “I like all the machines and the free weights. I also enjoy the all-ladies room upstairs, and it helps the gym out a lot.”

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Rules and Regulations: - No grunting or groaning -Foul language is not allowed in the gym - No dropping weights -No work boots permitted in the exercise room - No jeans while exercising - No sandals or open toed shoes are allowed - Equipment must be wiped off after use.

- Sweating in a gym is encouraged; stinking in a gym is a sign of poor hygiene

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The cost of a basic membership includes a $49 down payment with an additional $10 per month. In this package, there is no commitment required.

There is also the FIT VIP Membership, which requires a $99 enrollment fee with monthly payments of $19.99. This membership includes unlimited use of all Blue Moon locations, unlimited tanning, unlimited guest privileges, 50 percent discount on drinks, and 25 percent discount on supplements.

Planet Fitness Hours Planet Fitness is open 24 hours and seven days a week for 364 days a year, only being closed on Christmas Day. Holiday hours may vary.

The Crystal

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Blue Moon Mission Statement “Blue Moon Fitness was created to serve the average American by helping improve the quality and quantity of their lives...We’re going to do that by providing a comfortable, affordable and wellequipped gym. Don’t join just because you like our low prices, because that is just a portion of what we expect from you in return for access to our club.

More important than our fees is the respect we expect from our members.

You must show respect for yourself, for other members and guests, for our facilities, and for our staff if you want to be a member or guest.” www.bluemoonfitness.com

Blue Moon Fitness Hours Blue Moon Fitness is open 365 days a year.

Mon-Thu: 5 a.m.-Midnight Fri: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sat-Sun: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Holiday hours vary.

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Sports Photo by // Laurena Strohm

8 Photo by // Laurena Strohm

Photo by // Laurena Strohm

“UNAPPRECIATED” N

BOWLING

owadays highly sought after badminton, billiards and other popular sports fitness compared to the bowling was a smash hit market has suffered the cold. About Bowling, recently people have been talking about, whether the sport has not been appreciated, or it is still the first choice for leisure and entertainment.

Matt Garrett On the one hand, many people think of bowling “freshness” had pass, it is listed as not being appreciated sport. Of which there are many issues. Some people who used to play Q: Why did you start bowling? bowling they believe go bowling relatively high price, it is limited to entertainment, occaM: I start bowling because my few friends told me about that,they siad sional movement. It’s not like badminton or basketball, belonging to a long-term type. tha’s a really cool thing,have a lot fun,also I think it’s a family thing.

And as more and more recreational activities, bowling subsequently replaced. Long Q: Have you play bowling a lot for join a team? ago, bowling has been a lot of people like that in many of the population is called “fashM: Not completely, it is a fun thing to do. ion” a symbol, but as time goes on, but gradually unnoticed. Many local bowling alley Q: what the major differences between the capital level and normal? less and less in the operator point of view, the operating costs are too high bowling M: The major difference is you actually need work at it, and it’s not just a alley, bowling and fewer and fewer people, so operators choose other trendy sport, fun thing and some would say it’s a science, you really have to work at it and bowling alley abandonment operations. perfect it.

On the other hand, many people believe that bowling has always been a very Q: what you think a hardest part get in a professional level? popular recreational sport, the competition even though it’s not the Olympics.

M: probably is consistency, make it correctly.

Bowling exercise fully shows a change in the concept of the modern leisure: Q: what’s your high score this year so far?

Steering mental exercise sports culture from the sensory entertainment. Of M: Probably during the 246. course, there are a lot of people pointed out that the human body cardio bowlQ: Do you think the bowling team is a conventional sport like football, baseball? ing, fitness efficacy limb function is obvious, for people who love exercise has Do people treat you differently because you’re on bowling team? an irresistible charm, it can exercise the coordination of body parts, as long M: No, lots of people didn’t know we have a bowling team at LHS. When you talked as the correct posture bowling, more than 200 muscles in the body can get about you’re on the bowling team, they would react like “oh you’re in bowling team”. exercise, more importantly, there is a bowling athletic pleasure. People People wouldn’t treat you different just because of it.”It probably doesn’t mean much to who love bowling believe bowling can ease and eliminate the pressure of you, but I take it seriously”. This year we are trying to build our team outwards, really grow work and life. Bowling, regardless of age, gender, men and women can it out. We’ve even gotten some people we didn’t expect to. participate fully reflect equal competition between people. And regardQ: Why should people consider joining the bowling team? less of the strength of the body, as long as can be obtained through M: I think people should join the bowling team because you get to go out, meet different the efforts of a high score, so you can develop and enhance people’s people, you meet kids from all different schools, Even if you’re competing you can meet them self-confidence, but also to make up for the lack of movement in on a personal level, It’s really fun. Its different this year because we are part of the smack nut daily life and work under the burden. the inner city 8,left us so we don’t bowl with the same teams as last year, so LHs is struggling Regardless of whether this was what recreational recognized if this year because we are trying to meet new people, compete against different teams, so its new highly controversial because of various reasons, whether fashion foe us. or behind, it also can exercise, relax, is also a good recreational Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to join the bowling team next year? sports. Able in his spare time, relax, release stress, which can M: I just want you to be prepareto . Some people come as a blow off thing, if you come to this, put reflect the advantages of a recreational sports. your best effort in.

STUDENT’S OPINION

Minya Huang

February 2015

Reporter

Opinion

Behind Closed Doors

The Strange World of School Shootings

Brady Broderick

Photo by // Sam Lanko

CARRYING THE WEIGHT Seniors Andie Wilson and Zach Wilson demonstrate what were to happen in the event of an attack on Lakeview. Much of the responsibility of shooting prevention has fallen on schools, as evident by recent addition of metal boots to Lakeview’s doors.

Opinion Editor

A

t time of print, it has been 5,763 days. That’s over 823 weeks of school, over 15 years, 15 first days of the new semester. On April 20, 1999, two teenagers killed 13 of their classmates at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, in what at the time seemed like a shocking event. It was the first time the discussion of school shootings was started, a discussion waged by classrooms and lawmakers alike for more than a decade.

When students at Lakeview returned to school after winter break this year they noticed a new addition to the classrooms, five-pound metal “boots” used to keep doors shut in the event of an incident like the one at Columbine. And Red Lake.

And Virginia Tech. And Newtown. Lakeview has been applauded by local parents and media for its regard for the safety of their students, and despite a $100,000 price tag, administration saw no cent should be spared and is currently applying for grants to ease the cost. And if the boot doesn’t ease your nerves, bulletproof backpacks can be bought for just under $400 from some manufacturers. Parents may have to use a coupon when shopping for the usual pencils and notebooks to afford the cost, but anything to keep their babies safe, right?

It seemed like action was going to be taken. I remember distinctly coming home from practice when the headlines were coming up on my friends’ phones.

Sandy Hook elementary was attacked, leaving 28 dead. The news cycle was dominated by the images for days, President Obama called for a task force to be created to deal with mass shootings, dozens staged “die-ins” in Times’ Square to protest the violence, and even that week’s Saturday Night Live opened with a children’s choir singing “Silent Night” to honor the victims.

Polls in 2013 showed that 90 percent of Americans supported some measure of gun control and eventually a bill reached the congress hoping to ban assault weapons, not all guns, just assault weapons. The bill failed. Since then, the debate is not even about gun control. Would a weapons ban work? What about arming teachers? What about background checks? Nobody truly knows because unfortunately no solution has been attempted. Since Columbine and since Newtown the debate hasn’t been won or lost because it has not lasted long enough to be waged, blame it on our attention spans, the lobbies, our media, or our government, it hardly matters. But do not blame it on the students and the schools who are reminded every time they practice huddling in a dark room’s corner that this is reality.

The number of times congress has voted to repeal Obamacare since 2013: 19.

The most controversial bill since 2013 that’s now being expected to pass, currently taking up most of congress’s time: The Keystone Pipeline.

The number of people who have died in school shootings since Newtown: 56 and counting.

Lakeview has spent thousands of dollars and days of work to install locks that are not guaranteed to save anyone, but try they do. That is why I am proud of Lakeview.

I know it’s easy to feel indifferent, when I graduate I probably won’t think twice about if lockdown drills are being done right or if threats are being dealt with seriously. But when I drop off my own child on their first day of school, or when you drop of yours, who will keep them safe?

Their school? Yes Their teachers? Yes Their government? Perhaps another day.

The Crystal

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Student Voice

THE

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FLAMeThrowers== Brady Broderick

Opinion Editor

Lakeview High School has long been a musical factory, producing acts as diverse and regarded as Frankie Ballard and The Class Acts. Within the past year, sophomore Sebastian Everest and senior Sevin Saycocie have achieved school-wide notoriety with their respective mixtapes. Everest, also known as Big Daddy Saby, as a solo rapper, and Saycocie, along with fellow senior John Gray, as the voice for The Hot Boys. The Crystal sat down with the two to discuss their musical influences, friendship and to find out who truly is the master of the mixtape.

sevin

sABY

“Rising to the top/Bars so flame make your headphones hot/ Chic Chic, Ching Ching/Riding past haters on my bike, ring ring./Click click, bang bang, that’s the sound of my pen, make your ears rang/ click click bang bang I shoot bars you spit blanks/ tic tic tang tang/ on my block all you hear is bang bang./ Toe toe shoe shoe/ whose getting flamed on? You you.”

“Haters, I beat them up/ Scotty, beam me up/ My leftovers, I heat them up/ McNuggets, I eat them up/ But that don’t mean I’m broke/ I destroy mic while my competition chokes/ I’m like, what you talking about? Different Strokes/ Shout out to my snow folks!”

Music is not only a passion for senior Sevin Saycocie, but also a mission. Beginning with casual jam sessions with fellow senior John Gray,the musical duo The Hot Boys was born in aspiration of something greater.

“There came a time where we decided that we would use music to convey a much-needed message to our peers,” Saycocie said. “I sang over some guitar that John composed, which would eventually become the first song we released to the public.”

The first single, “I Don’t,” has garnered praise from fans that like its laid-back style and self-awareness; it has also attracted criticism from those who see its lyrics as ridiculous. While the song “I Don’t” is lyrically based on personal experience, it has musical roots in another popular singer-songwriter with hiphop tendencies, Ed Sheeran, who Saycocie credits as a major influence.

“The way he can make music that is simple yet beautiful, his voice and guitar make up a lot of his songs so you could definitely see how he influenced us on the record,” Saycocie said.

With dozens of hits on the website Soundcloud yet only one song to their name, The Hot Boys have left many of their fans hungry for more. But as of now, the group’s future is uncertain.

“If we create anything worth releasing we will, but we are pretty busy guys and it’s hard to find time,” Saycocie said. “The first song we released was, to us, pure brilliance. It’ll be a challenge following that up.”

It is not hard to see that music is an integral part of sophomore Sebastian Everest’s life. He can often be seen playing everything from Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch to N’Sync on his speaker during passing time. Everest, known also by his rap name Big Daddy Saby, has long loved a wide variety of musicians but it is rap that truly influences him the most.

“My influences are Marky Mark, one of the greatest artists of all time; Lil Wayne, just because he’s funny; and Eminem, as if it wasn’t obvious,” Everest said, who lists Eminem’s 8 Mile as his favorite film.

Much like the rap icons he looks up to, Saby prioritizes the fame he gains just as much as the music he makes. The motivation behind his music, released on the website Soundcloud in 2014, was not only to provide the school with original music, as he does with the hits of others, but also to gain name recognition.

“I never wanted to really make music,” Everest said, “I only wanted to make a mixtape just to say that I had a mixtape.”

For every LL Cool J, there is an NCIS. For every Ice Cube, an Are We There Yet. Even Marky Mark left the rap game to pursue other interests. Whether or not the future will have a Sebastian Everest or a Big Daddy Saby is unknown, but dreams are still being dreamt.

“I’m not quite sure (about the future),” Everest said, “but making a comeback around 70 would be pretty cool.”

Photo by // Samantha Lanko

February 2015

Student Life

Who is the advisor for Art Club?

Always tuned in, always turned up

Mrs. Knack

We’re always trending

Mrs. Mathis

Coverage you can count on

Mrs. Pryor

The Enquirer

In what room is The Crystal made?

Trivia is like Crack Jon Haadsma

Mr. Smith

What year did the new Lakeview High School open?

A102

2007

The Auxillary Gym

2006

A215

2001

The Forum

2009

Reporter

Trivia Crack took Lakeview High School by storm. See if you can succeed in crowning yourself victorious in this little trivia page.

How do you describe Mrs. Keller in periodic terms?

The answers will be posted in the online version of The Crystal at issuu.com/thecrystalLHS

Ru

Baseball

Ba

Cross Country

Na

Swimming

H

The Crystal

Which sport had the last State Championship?

Golf

Entertainment: “Always tuned in, always turned up” Art: Mrs. Mathis Geography: A102 History: 2006 Science: Ba Sports: Golf

What is Channel 101’s Slogan?

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Student Life

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Coping with

Teen depression is real. Teen depression is on the rise.

Paige Tobin

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Editor-in-Chief

It’s empty. You don’t really feel much.

You feel alone. Like you’re in a box and you can’t get out,” freshman Catherine Magnusson said.

The feeling Magnusson describes is symptomatic of clinical depression. Depression is on the rise in teens and it is estimated that about every one in five teens is depressed. Symptoms vary by person to person, but the overarching issues associated with depression are withdrawal from friends, lack of energy, poor self esteem, restlessness, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Photo by // Laurena Strohm

F

or senior Nene Parker, this was a very real tors and teachers wanted to become more than just dents to receive assistance. According to Web MD, feeling. This “sad time” in her life, as she labels content driven; we want to get to know the students “about two-thirds of people with major depression it, was what almost caused her to take her life. personally because that’s what kids want,” counselor never seek appropriate treatment, and the conse“In middle school the doctors found out something Lukas Pederson said. “[Students] quences can be devastating... Yet “It’s really valuable to was wrong with my leg and I had to use crutches for wanted us to make them feel with treatment, 70% of people with a long time,” Parker said. “I got picked on, people more valued, instead of someone clinical depression can improve, have conversation would steal my crutches. I gained a lot of weight too. I I’m just delivering content to. Kids often in a matter of weeks.” about [depression].” didn’t fit in here and I got sad all the time.” also said that we don’t talk about “I don’t believe in seeking help Lukas Pederson, counselor Parker eventually got help from the school coun[depression] enough; it’s a taboo through words, only actions,” freshselors. She is now well past that time in her life and topic. So we have a classroom lesson about how to man Kyle Starkweather said. sees value in herself that she hadn’t acknowledged identify the signs of depression and have discussions When it comes to mental health, the negative stigbefore. She cites her relationship with God as being about it.” mas attached to professional treatment are numerous an integral factor for how she escaped her “sad time.”

Even with more of an effort on the school’s part, and harmful. Undiagnosed mental health issues “I cut myself and harmed myself because I didn’t the counseling office cannot identify every student could lead to more immediate concerns as far as the know what else to do; it felt depression, and can only quality of life for a patient, the physical safety of the “I couldn’t be myself for a with better at that time. But now I look aid those who come forward patient, or those surrounding the patient. back at it and wonder ‘aw man, really long time and I thought with information about themThe main thing to remember when it comes to why’d I do that?’” Parker said. selves or someone they know. taking care of your mental health is that you are not nobody loved me.”

Depression is an issue that Currently, the ratio of students alone and should not have to deal with it on your Nene Parker, senior affects many, and impacts about to every one own. This goes for your average 35 percent of students at Lakeview, which is a signifcounselor at Lakeview is 350. This is “You don’t need to feel sad school anxiety to the most seicant figure, but not all too different than the national approximately 100 students over the rious of mental ailments. If you or cry all day to be average. The counselors identified these depression national recommended student to are concerned about your own clinically depressed.” statistics as being an issue they wanted to address counselor ratio. mental health, seek help from Web MD more, and have made a pointed effort to help those With this overload on the counselthe licensed professionals at the suffering from depression. ors, it is easy for some students to slip through the school or open up to family.

“One thing that students have really talked about is cracks and not get the help they truly need. Even the “I found friends; I found people who really cared creating more relationships at school. The administra- stigma of “toughing it out” affects the ability of stuabout me [to overcome depression],” Magnusson said.

February 2015

Student Life

13

DEPRESSION 64.8%

Have been depressed and

16% are currently depressed, which equals about 215 students.

22% have thought of

commiting suicide,

which is equal to

more than

67

ALL the students in 10 classrooms at any given time.

Of the students you see in the hallways here have

300

attempted suicide, which is 5% of the student body.

Is the third leading

cause of death amongst people ages 15-24, and sixth amongst ages 5-14.

suicide

*out of 130 Lakeview students

Letter from the Editor In the last issue of the Crystal, I decided that my “Words of Wisdom” would be “Love Always.” I find myself preaching about loving people quite frequently, but I feel as though I left out an extremely important aspect of love. There are many ways to do it, and not all of them include giving love away to other people.

Wise Word(s) Numero Cuatro: Love Yourself Before you can go out and spread your love to all of the people in the world, you have to be able to love yourself. My mother has always tried to bang this lesson into my head, but it’s always been a hard pill to swallow. Like what? Love... myself? Middle school Paige thinks that is so not fetch.

My mother, however, usually appeals to my more logical side in these situations and asks me, “Paige, if you can’t love you, then who will do it for you?”

In all honesty, the answer is no one. You may have loving friends, a great family, or a committed significant other, but none of their love can be the supplement for the value you put on yourself. There’s nothing, no one, in this WORLD that can give definitive proof of why you’re such a great human being. You determine that for yourself.

But- I can throw my nuggets of knowledge at you all I want, and make this the most persuasive letter, but, in reality, I can’t make you love yourself. This is something you have to decide on your own and commit to, because it’s almost too easy to devalue yourself. It takes true strength to acknowledge your greatness. And believe me, there is greatness inside of you.

Until next time folksPaige Tobin, Editor-In-Chief

The Crystal

B

iography style movies have been on the rise with the likes of Unbroken, the Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything.

Biographical movies draw all moviegoers because they give the allure of something that is/was real, but with everything that’s churned out of Hollywood there are some aspects of the story that are embellished and dramatized. American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the story of Chris Kyle the United State’s most lethal sniper.

With 160 confirmed kills Kyle has been deemed an “American Hero” by many. *Fair warning: the following information contains movie spoilers.*

THE OPENING SCENE Movie: A woman is seen leaving her home with her ~10-year-old son and Kyle realizes she is holding something under her hijab. It is revealed that she is holding an RKG-3 Anti-Tank Grenade, which she hands off to her son to throw at the Americans, leading to Kyle’s first kills, the child and his mother.

Memoir: There was no child or RKG-3. The woman had a regular Chinese grenade. An RKG-3 and a Chinese grenade are only about a foot in difference in length, but why have accuracy when you can have drama?

THE RODEO Movie: After Kyle’s girlfriend broke up with him he saw the news on the tv of the Tanzanian and Kenyan US Embassy bombings. Which motivated him to join the military.

Memoir: Kyle did take part in the rodeo, but he approached the military recruitment center because he always planned to after rodeo injuries sidelined him.

THE BUTCHER Movie: During Kyle’s second tour, him and his fel-

The Single 1 Best ™Advice∫ Out There 3 Taryn Snyder

News Editor

low SEALS infiltrate a civilian’s house and prepare to invade one of the culprits prospectable hideouts, covered as a resturant. The man offers dinner to the SEALS and during the feast the man’s elbow’s raw spots are revealed, unveiling that he is too a sniper. Kyle notices and searches the house and finds many weapons, explosives and other contraband under the floorboards.

Memoir: This event is never mentioned. Yes there’s a chance that this was just left out, but if you were writing your story and yhou devoted your life to hunting and killing people you believed were evil, wouldn’t you include a pivotal anecdote about the hunting of one of your arch enemies.

MUSTAFA Movie: Kyle’s “thorn in his side” was the sniper antagonist that was picking off Kyle’s fellow SEALS. In the movie, Kyle’s longest shot of 2,100 yards, 1.2 miles, was the shot that killed Mustafa. After the kill nearby men heard him, causing a dramatic firesotrm that left sailors with no mags left and a need for a climatic escape in a Humvee. Almost leaving Kyle behind.

Memoir: In reality Mustafa never shot at Kyle and

NO JOB NO PROB. Who needs a job when you have love? Having a job would give you less time to spend with your significant other, so having one would just be an inconvenience. And don't worry about the money. I'm sure that your parents and siblings will always give you some.

ONE AND ONLY. Who needs friends when you're in a relationship? As long as you have your significant other by your side, you don't need anyone else in your life. Your friends would ditch you too if they were in relationships.

2 4

Opinion

14

BASED

ON A TRUE STORY

Kyle never shot at Mustafa. Kyle’s longest shot of 2,100 yards did take place but at a man that was going to fire a grenade at an American convoy.

And with most of Hollywood’s dramatizational smoke screen there was a never a compelling escape.

TAYA Movie: In the last scenes, Taya, Kyle’s wife exalts her joy that Kyle is home and never leaving again. This was coincidentally just before Kyle leaves to go to the shooting range with Eddie Routh, a fellow soldier that he was aiding in combating his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As I think we all know Routh kills Kyle at the shooting range.

Memoir: Later revealed in an addendum written by screenwriter Jason Hall in the newest edition of the book, was that Taya’s exaultion of joy and thankfulness of Kyle’s return occurred about approximately a month before his death. The scene was very dramatic and even brought my neighboring moviegoer to tears, but still it’s an inaccuracy.

Carli Fettig

Reporter

SPREAD THE LOVE. It's never too early to say the ™L word∫. We always say it to our friends and or families so it's not that big of a deal. Why not start saying it already? It could be a week, or a day, or even just a few hours. It doesn't matter.

I mean, high school relationships last forever, don't they?

COMMUNICATION IS KEY. It's always nice to be close to your loved one, but nothing brings you closer than sending heart-eye emojis to each other. Even if you are sitting right next to each other on the couch, you can still snapchat each other kissy faces instead of actually doing it. At least this way you don't have to worry about how bad your breath smells.

The Crystal

Student Life

15

GENDER, GENDER...

GENDER??

The transgender community has been making strides in the fight for equality lately and the recent speculation surrounding the possible transition of former Olympian Bruce Jenner has helped shine a light on them. However, another recent event, the tragic suicide of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn, has brought the attention of a different side of the community. The side where those who identify as transgender still have to face the ridicule and possible danger of their peers and even their own family. This side is one that is often left out of the conversation when discussing the LGBTQ community. Here are some of the most alarming numbers that showcase exactly why the fight for transgender equality is still needed.

Terms To Know Transgendera person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.

Gender Non-Conforminga term used to describe a person whose gender expression is different from societal expectations related to gender.

Quick Tips For Allies • • •

•

Female to Male vs Male to Female Cost

The average cost of transitioning from male to female is $40,000 to $50,000 compared to the $75,000 cost of transitioning from female to male.

65%suicide

have attempted

19% 27%

have been refused medical treatment due to gender identity

78% of transgender youth have been harassed in a school setting due to their gender identity

1 12 OUT OF

Transgender Americans face the chance of being murdered due to their gender identity.

• 25.6 million people are considered “questioning” in regard to how they identify.

• 59% of transgender people have not come out to their friends and family.

• 79% have hidden their transition or gender due to harrassment in the work place.

are not currently living as the gender they identify with

700,000 adults in the United States identitfy as transgender

Always ask what pronoun a person prefers.

Don’t assume someone is transgender.

Don’t tolerate anti-trans remarks or humor, especially in public places.

Be patient with a person who is questioning their gender identity.

53% of all LGBTQ hate crimes are targeted at Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people

That’s about .3% of the adult population

Bailey Gastian

A&E Editor

February 2015

Carrying the Weight Together A discussion about sexual assault and what we all can do to help stop it.

A

n extra large twin mattress weighs around 50 pounds. This is what Emma Sulkowicz, a student at Columbia University, carries around 24/7. Why she does this, you may ask? At least 1 in 4 college women will be the victim of a sexual assault during her academic career, and Sulkowicz was a part of that 25 percent. After she reported the rape, the university found her attacker “not responsible”.

In response to this, she started a performance art piece called “Carry That Weight” where Sulkowicz carried the mattress everywhere on campus, even to her classes. The mattress was symbolic of the weight that victims of sexual violence carry with them day after day. Instead of helping victims, society adds to the weight by shaming and blaming them.

It’s hard to come out of sexual violence unscarred.

Victims need support, someone that will listen, someone that will lend a hand. It takes friends, family, even entire communities to help.

And while it is incredibly important to help victims of sexual assault, it is also important to find ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Society should be teaching young men that women are not objects and should be respected. The media influences people greatly, and it often portrays women as an item, not an actual person. This has an effect on how society sees women, which altogether can contribute to violence.

One in five women and one in sixteen men report being a victim of sexual assault, making women more than 3 times more likely to be assaulted

73% of Americans have NOT

Kiera Wood// Columbia Spectator

MORE THAN A MATTRESS Students at Columbia University show solidarity by helping assault victim Emma Sulkowicz carry her mattress to her dorm. Sulkowicz has been carrying an extra large twin mattress all over campus, and will do so until her attacker is found responsible.

1 in 3 Americans know a victim of sexual assault Out of 100 rapes, only about one will result in the rapist’s conviction and incarceration

O

discussed sexual 64% of assault with their friends, Americans age despite 15 or older say that 33% of them knowing if we talk more about a victim domestic violence and sexual assault, it would make it easier for them to help someone If you or someone you know is dealing with sexual assault, call 1.800.656.HOPE or go to rainn.org for help.

ne way to help the media change is not buying into sexist ads, commercials, movies, television shows, etc. Maybe call them out on it and let these companies know that what they are showing is harmful when it comes to sexual violence.

Even though media is a big influence on people, it all comes down to how an individual person acts.

This generation is capable of putting an end to rape, but we need to make an effort to change. It’s not a joke, so stop joking about it. It’s not the victim’s fault, so stop blaming them. If society can get past these things and see rape for what it really is, an awful crime, then we are off to a good start.

Sexual assault is something that the world has been brushing under the rug for too long. It is extremely prevalent, but is never talked about. It is time to start a conversation about sexual assault to find solutions and eventually, to end it altogether. We can’t leave victims to deal with this alone anymore.

To lift the weight of sexual violence, we must all carry it together.

Haley Kerner

Opinion

16

crystal staff adviser: Jodi Darland editor-in-chief: Paige Tobin ass’t editor/opinion: Brady Broderick news editor: Taryn Snyder a&e editor: Bailey Gastian feature editor: Julia Miller sports editor: Nick Jones reporters: Carli Fettig Jonathan Haadsma Minya Huang Jessica Hughes Michael Jones Nathan Jones Haley Kerner Megan Riegle photographers: Rachel Silverman Sierra Craig Laurena Strohm Samantha Lanko business managers: Kyle Brown Michael Martin administration: Dave Peterson - superintendent Jeff Bohl - principal Marty Pessetti - asst. principal Shannon Walker - dean of students editorial policy: The Crystal is a self-funded student publication distributed free of charge to all Lakeview High School students and staff with a total press run of 1000.

The publication is an open forum for expression and a two-way communication for both the school and community. The editor-in-chief and staff are solely responsible for the content.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of the staff or the administration of Lakeview High School. Editors and reporters make every effort to provide balanced and fair coverage of the news and its significance. Businesses are encouraged to advertise in The Crystal when their ads adhere to the specified guidelines available in the publications room. Members of The Crystal staff can be contacted by calling the publications room phone at 269-565-3731 or emailing at thecrystal@lakeviewspartans.org.

To view The Crystal in full color, visit: issuu.com/thecrystalLHS

The Crystal is printed by: The Argus-Press Company 201 E. Exchange St. Owosso, MI 48867 The Crystal is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association. The 2004-2005, 2005-2006 and 2013-2014 Crystal won a MIPA Spartan award.

Lakeview High School 15060 Helmer Road South Battle Creek, Mich. 49015 269-565-3700 lakeviewspartans.org

Reporter

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DECA DOMINATION State Qualifiers

Jozlyn Ampey Hunter Baize Aiden Baum Shelby Boggs Hunter Bost Aleigha Bracke Brady Broderick Kyle Brown Jayson Butler Zane Buys Kayla Callaway Mackenzie Canfield Cameron Caswell Connor Caswell Merideth Cherney Cole Cleaver Shelby Daniels Abigail Davenport Holly Dunn Lila Elliott Yaqar Elmore

WE ARE DECA

Tyler Fisk Toni Foster Bradley Glubke Conner Grosteffon Brett Hermsen Gavin Homer Kirby Homer Sydney Horse Jessica Hughes Ayodeji Jubreel Josiah Kitchen Jake Lamb Lynsey Lang Brooke Massa David Morrow Joanna Myatt Skyler Nichols Taylor Perrett Madison Pierman Payton Pierman Shanice Pinson

YOU CAN BE TOO

Rachel Prell Kyle Rideout Cameron Robins Gabrielle Salinas Malik Schrad Devin Sherlock Calvin Siddall Taryn Snyder Logan Sprau Erin Stafford Collin Stanley Jessica Steeb Rose Steinecke Isabel Stich Annamarie Taylor Jaylyn Taylor Saige Valella Brandon Vanoosten Joshua Vitelli Mathew Wilson Justin Wright

February 2015

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The Crystal

Sports

19

There are four girls who step into competition knowing their competitor might not have a cute little ponytail like they do, and that is perfectly okay with them. These girls are among the toughest girls to walk these halls; they are Lakeview’s lady wrestlers.

They don’t do it for the recognition because they know there isn’t much of that. They return to the mat each and everyday to better themselves and compete with others.

When it comes down to it, they are just there to wrestle regardless of gender.

Sam Lanko / Crystal Staff

PRE-MATCH PREP Lakeview’s lady wrestlers get down into stance in preparation for a practice match. Seeley, Winchester, Hawes and Harvey practice each and every day with the team in order to be prepared for even the most difficult matches. “It’s so much more of a mental sport than a physical sport,” Hawes said.

Madison Hawes, sophomore

This is the first year Hawes has ever wrestled. She has a brother who was a wrestler, so she came out to continue the family tradition. She has plans to wrestle the rest of her high school career.

“The feeling you get when you wrestle in a match is indescribable,” Hawes said.

Jasmine Harvey, freshman With older brothers Jacob and Rodney wrestling all through school, Harvey grew up watching wrestling.

“I started wrestling in seventh grade. I asked my friend if I should do it and she asked me why I would. I just wanted to and they couldn’t stop me just because I’m a girl,” Harvey said.

She has kept this attitude ever since; she won’t back down in spite of being the minority.

Justine Seeley, senior When younger brother Chase Seeley started wrestling Justine was seven, so she decided she should join too, and she hasn’t stopped since.

As her last year here as one of Lakeview’s lady wrestlers, her ending record was 24-15.

Next year, she will attend Adrian College and continue her wrestling career at that level.

“I love the intensity of the sport,” Seeley said.

Jocelyn Winchester, senior

This is Jocelyn’s first year out for the wrestling team.

She started with a goal to get in shape and knew wrestling could accomplish that for her. She enjoys wrestling because it’s fun and also difficult.

“We can do stuff just like guys can. No one should underestimate us,” Winchester said.

Taking Down the Stereotype Meggie Riegle

Reporter

The Stories Behind Lakeview’s Lady Wrestlers February 2015

Arts and Entertainment

20

GET SHERLOCKED Jessica Hughes

Reporter

BBC’s Sherlock rivals Doctor Who in terms of fanbase in British telly.

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes, the show follows the modern escapades of Dr. John H. Watson (Martin Freeman) and Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) as they fight crime throughout London and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Well, Sherlock solves puzzles. John fights crime.

Because it’s BBC, some of the acting by minor characters can be a little weak. But that’s what makes it BBC. Plus, the show deals with heavy topics (murders, kidnappings, prostitution, terrorism) so the comedic break is appreciated every once in a while.

The set is all over the city of London and surrounding areas. While they do not shoot at the actual 221B Baker Street, they do an excellent job with the recreation of the flat that you can visit when you go to the city.

One thing different about this show is it’s difficult to just sit down and watch. It’s a puzzle and it’s very hard to not try to solve it. The clues are laying around the set and the more times you watch the episodes, the quicker you pick up on them. If you’re looking for some sappy, non-intellectually stimulating TV show or Netflix drama, you’re going to have to keep looking. Sherlock keeps you guessing, on the edge of your seat, and just a little nervous to see what happens next.

Which leads me to the next and most important point, the only problem the fandom seems to have- WHY DO THEY HAVE TO WAIT FIVE CENTURIES BETWEEN SEASONS? Nobody understands why, but there is just too long of a wait between episodes. Maybe not five centuries, but three years is a little long to wait for just another three episodes.

The beauty of this system though is BBC draws you in and won’t. let. you. out. They force you to keep up with the fandom and news to make sure that episodes are still being filmed on schedule. Why don’t people just say “forget it” and move on with life? Because Sherlock is just that good.

Sherlock follows BBC’s tradition of taking classic English folklore, literature, or legends (Robin Hood and Merlin are also owned by BBC) and putting a little extra spin on it. Whether it is making the ages old wizard into an awkward teenage boy, or the one and only Sherlock Holmes on the London Underground, the British Broadcasting Company always manages to impress and delight English and American audiences alike.

Check it out! But be prepared to never, ever, come back out of the fandom.

You’ve been warned.

THE GAME IS ON

Photo Edited Laurena Strohm / Crystal Staff

The Crystal

Health

21

Sthrough tattooing. From the infinite design possibilities to the symbolic meaning behind each tattoo, this type of expression is no longer for sailors and inmates, it is for everyone.

ome people express themselves through clothing, hair styles, actions, words, but as lasting as those impressions may be there is no more permanent way to express one’s self than

Ink-fection

Tattoos can be personal, historical, decorative, symbolic and can show unity in a group. A tattoo design can vary from a flower, to a dragon, to a favorite phrase. For senior Zach Keyes a tattoo of his favorite Bible verse speaks volumes of the importance of family to him.

“Philippians 4:13 is my mom’s favorite verse, and she always says it to me,” Keyes said.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo, there is a lot more to the decision than choosing the right artwork. You also need to make sure that you choose the right tattoo parlor so your skin is properly treated before and after the process of tattooing.

“I went to a place that was certified by health inspectors that used sterilized needles and used gloves,” Spanish teacher Erin Ormsby said.

According to Statistic Brain, the annual amount of the U.S spending on tattoos is about $1.65 Billion.

Going for the cheapest price may not mean that it’s the best place to get a tattoo. Paying a couple extra dollars to get a tattoo might be worth it when it comes to not only getting a quality permanent piece of art on your body, but also in avoiding an infection. “(health issue was brought into consideration) because you can get infected and diseases can get transferred,” senior Devin Sherlock said.

WHAT T O EXPECT • The staff and studio area should be very clean and have separate areas for piercing and tattooing.

• The studio should have and use an autoclave (equipment used to sterilize the necessary equipment) or use one-time use needles.

• Needles and other “sharps” should only be used once and should be opened (from individual packages) in front of you before the procedure.

• Staff should wear new latex gloves during each procedure.

• Inks used in tattooing should be placed in a single-use cup and then disposed. Ink should never be taken directly from the main source bottle or returned to that bottle!

Ask about after-care instructions. Read and understand the instructions before getting a tattoo or piercing.

Nate Jones

Reporter

HEALTH RISKS What most people don’t know is that there’s a chance of getting an infection in your skin from tattooing. In the process of tattooing, a needle is poking several holes into one’s skin, and allowing ink to enter the inner layer of skin. So, a new tattoo acts as an open wound. If not treated correctly during the healing process, an infection can become possible.

• Infection – Dirty needles can pass infections, like hepatitis and HIV, from one person to another.

• Allergies – Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported and can cause problems.

• Scarring – Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.

• Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.

• MRI complications – People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This happens rarely and does not last long. *fda.gov WHY GET INKED • To identify yourself, to mark a significant aspect of you or your life • To honor loves ones (especially military and family) • For style, fashion statement

•

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR Displayed at Black Line Tattooing in Marshall are examples of sterilized and non-sterilized needles. The shop follows strict state guidelines (including one-time use instruments) in its tattooing practices and encourages customers to ask questions. “I am known for going above and beyond the minimum health code regulations for a tattoo shop,”the Black Line Tattooing owner and tattoo artist Rico said.

Photo by // Sierra Craig Photo by // Sierra Craig FAMILY MATTERS Spanish teacher Erin Ormsby shares the rememberance of her grandmother with a tattoo of a female character on her wrist. “It’s a picture that my grandmother would draw next to letters and cards,” Ormsby said.

FLYING HIGH Senior Zach Keyes’ tattoo of a wing and his favorite verse has great meaning to him. “Philippians 4:13 is my mom’s favorite verse, and she always says it to me,” Keyes said.

STRONG INK Senior Devin Sherlock’s tattoo is important to him because he drew it himself. “To be loyal to my friends and family, and the wolf is a symbol of strength,” Sherlock said.

February 2015

THE “DONKEY” IN THE ROOM Many people have heard about it, and everyone has an opinion.

But what is Obamacare?

Jessica Hughes

AT A GLANCE

44%

of Americans supported the law,

with

56% against

5-4

the Supreme Court votes on ObamaCare

3.9 million

people have gotten covered by ObamaCare

ObamaCare’s cost is an estimated

$1.35 trillion dollars by 2025.

Reporter

WHAT IS HAPPENINGThe Planned Parenthood location in Battle Creek closed to patients as of January 31, 2015.

“There was a 53 percent drop in patients from 2013 to 2014,” Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Desiree Cooper told the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Many say this decline is due to President Obama’s healthcare reforms (see right) that have been pushed in recent congressional meetings. These laws require most businesses to offer birth control and other reproductive health services to men and women, reducing the need for centers such as Planned Parenthood.

While this location did not provide abortions, this center did provide birth control, women’s health services and STD testing. Mid and South Michigan Planned Parenthood CEO Lori Carpentier said the corporation is attempting to expand to other areas by relocating resources to areas without a Planned Parenthood clinic.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUFor students at Lakeview, this means some services once provided by Planned Parenthood must be obtained elsewhere, such as Alternatives Pregnancy Centers of Battle Creek/Kalamazoo.

Planned Parenthood of Battle Creek will be continuing to educate the public and educate within the school, but will remain closed to patient care.

Why the debate?

Obamacare. Virtually everyone has heard about it. But what is it exactly?

Obamacare is the common name given to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or the PPACA. This law, hotly debated by most of the population (politicians included), is part of President Obama’s plan to reform healthcare in America. This set of laws require all citizens to purchase health insurance and most businesses to provide health insurance to their full time employees or face fines (for individuals, these fines can reach up to $695 a year or 2.5% of their income), but will also provide insurance for those who cannot afford it.

A Reuters-Ipsos poll taken in June of 2012 reported that 44% of Americans supported the law [Obamacare] and 56% were against it. Several people, including regular citizens and Washington D.C. politicians said these laws were unconstitutional.

“The whole thing remains unconstitutional. While the court may have erroneously come to the conclusion that the law is allowable, it certainly does nothing to make this mandate or government takeover of our health care right,” Sen. Paul said in June 2012.

Five of the nine members on the Supreme Court disagree, however.

News

22

Healthcare spending accounts for around

17.4% of the GDP

June 28, 2012

the date the Supreme Court made their ruling on ObamaCare

“The Affordable Care Act’s requirement that certain individuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax.

Because the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness,” Chief Justice Roberts said on the ruling.

Much of the opposition on this bill is based upon the financial aspect. PPACA will cost taxpayers $50,000 per person added under Obamacare insurance.

Most opposition inlcudes taking the freedom to choose what and when to purchase a good or service out of the private sector.

Many businesses and everyday citizens say that Obamacare is an infringement on religious freedom. This law was going to require businesses to provide the “Morning After Pill” which alters the menstrual cycle and irritates the uterus lining to stop a pregnancy shortly after conception (see left).

Still others say this law is not-representative of the American people’s wishes, as the bill has a 56 percent opposition rate.

But many say this law’s benefits outweigh the costs. As of January of 2015 the current uninsured rate is 12.9% according to Gallup and 7.1 million people are enrolled in a plan through HealthCare.Gov, according to obamacarefacts.com. These people could now have access to better, higher quality care.

The Crystal

Arts and Entertainment

23

Lights! Camera! Action!

Mike Jones

Reporter

Life Behind The Curtain

Behind Closed Curtains

Typically the stage consist of actors and the props for the set, but what happens behind this cloak of entertainment? How does the set change between scenes? How do they change costumes so fast? Let’s take a peek behind the scenes.

In the upcoming play, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, directors Mr. Ken Gordon and Mr. Lane Gordon decided to, instead of a backstage crew, implement the use of wood nymphs. The wood nymphs would switch the sets between scenes.

While the current actors on stage are performing, those who are Rachel Silverman / Crystal Staff The Crew behind the curtain are performing You don’t rehearse your lines without practice performing the scene. But whats performing a scene their pre-stage rituals, preparing their without props and a set? Sure you can swing a pretend sword, but what happens when you swing a lines and checking costumes. They real one? have to make sure they are ready along with their fellow peer actors. When someone is about to go on stage and isn’t ready it can cause some panic. Luckily actors are prepared to improv at any moment. When it comes to show week, actors are as stressed as a student performing poorly in a class the week of finals.

Not only must they have all their lines memorized but they also must know all the movements and be able show strong body language.

The Costumes

Rachel Silverman // Crystal Staff

Playing Dress up For every play there is a script. For every actor there is a costume. For the play, actors must have a costume and this is the wardrobe room for the theatre where actors can gather up their costumes and change.

The Set

Rumor has it the Black Box was created on the blood, sweat, and tears of theatre students dedicating their time in and outside of school for the art of acting.

It’s not only the actors that put in the hard work, but everyone who helps to get the play prepared and ready to be presented to an audience. This has been shown and proven by the theatre through the many plays presented over the course of the years.

Although they might not be acting on the front stage, what is being put on the stage visually is a representation of their work. It can be stressful for both the actors and backstage crew. The backstage crew is responsible for all things visual. They change scenes, prepare costumes and props and get actors ready.

Special effects for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe are being performed by LG and he usually starts preparing around 4 weeks before the week of the play to have all special effects and lighting correct for the play.

LG and Ms. Carrie Bliz work to“KG has a vision of what the set’s gether to make the costumes. While going to look like during the play,” it’s not mandatory, some students senior Addie Pyatte said. take on the challenge of creating their own costume which would have The theatre is currently working on to be approved by LG. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe which will revolve around the book instead of the movie. The goal is to have the wood nymphs, the furry woodland creatures, change the set around in between scenes instead of having a backstage crew.

“Ms. Bliz is just awesome. She does so much for us,” senior Maggie Hughes said. Bliz sews together almost all of the casts’ costumes by herself just for the plays.

Rachel Silverman / Crystal Staffaff

Passion Pays When you’re passionate enough for something, you succeed. Seniors Maggie Hughes and Robin Banks are very passionate for theatre and have become leaders for the The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

Prep Work

The actors for the play spend endless hours rehearsing scenes, learning lines and becoming their character. But lines and acting isn’t everything the actors must learn prior to the play. Actors must practice and learn improv. Improv is an acting skill where you have no lines you make it up off the top of your head.

This is especially crucial if a actor messes up a line and sets the other actors off course from the play.

February 2015

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THINKING ABOUT GETTING A TAT? LEARN ABOUT POSSIBLE HEALTH RISKS ON PG 21.

CURTAIN CALL

EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE PEOPLE ON STAGE, BUT WHAT ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE? FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE THEATER’S BACKSTAGE MAGIC, PG 23.

Dealing with Depression

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The Crystal Volume 80, Issue 4