May 2015

SENIORS

CHECK OUT THE SENIOR TRIBUTE ON PGS 11-15. REMEMBER ALL THE FUNNY MEMORIES AND EMBARRASSING MOMENTS

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DO YOU EVER FEEL AS THOUGH YOUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS ARE BEING INFRINGED UPON? REPORTER JESS HUGHES EXPLAINS THE RFR ACT ON PG. 21

ZIM AROUND THE WORLD ONE OF LAKEVIEW’S TEACHERS TAKES A TRIP AROUND THE GLOBE. GET THE DEATAILS ABOUT HIS ITINERARY AND HIS ADVENTURE ON PG. 3

The Last Goodbye

LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

THE

CRYSTAL The Crystal Volume 77, Issue 6

News

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Table Of Contents NEWS 3. Zim’s Journey - - - - Nate Jones

SPORTS 17. Team Bonding - - - - Julia Miller

4. M-Step- - - - Meggie Riegle Cultural Day - - - - Minya Huang

18- 19. Special Olympics - - - - Nick Jones and Jess Hughes

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7. Graffiti in BC - - - - Mike Jones

HEALTH 20. Health Clinic at the middle school - - - - Jon Haadsma

8. Theater Companies - - - - Addie Pyatte 9. Summer Movie Preview - - - - Bailey Gastian

STUDENT LIFE - SENIOR

OPINION

10. Superlatives - - - - Brady Broderick 11. LHS Confessions - - - - Nick Jones 12. TBT - - - - Haley Kerner 13. Looking Back - - - - Julia Miller 14. Advice to Underclassmen - - - - Carli Fettig 15. Goodbyes from Senior Staffers - - - - Paige Tobin 16. Prom Staff Edition- - - - Haley Kerner What does your Sock Game say about you? - - - - Brady Broderick

20. The Faultline in our Stars - - - - Carli Fettig 21. Religious Freedom Restoration Act - - - - Jessica Hughes 22. #GOALS - - - - Taryn Snyder 23. What Does School Teach Us? - - - - Bailey Gastian How to be a Gentleman - - - - Nick Jones

Letter from the Editor This is it. Welcome, ladies and gents, to the final issue of The Crystal, and my last as the editor. I have spent three wonderful years as a part of this staff, and now my time is finally coming to an end, as is with many of my other responsibilities and engagements. It’s a bittersweet feeling to see everything you’ve been working at for the past four years come to an end, but the knowledge of moving onto bigger things sweetens the taste. And without further ado, these are my final words for you all.

Wise Word(s) Numero Seis: Know When to Say Goodbye It’s difficult to say goodbye to those you love. It’s difficult to say goodbye to the familiar, the comfortable, the things you’ve known all your life. So for you seniors, it’s difficult (for some of you) to say goodbye to these hallowed halls in exchange for something new, for uncharted territory. And some of us will choke on our goodbyes, we’ll visit much too often and be those weird graduated people that still stand in the student section, but at one point we will all make the choice to leave it all behind us. Or to never leave it, is a choice as well.

But despite the difficulty of the choice, it’s one we all must make in order to change things for ourselves. We all must have the awareness to know that when things don’t work out, shedding that weight or turning over that new leaf could be just the remedy to our own personal happiness. And it won’t be easy; goodbyes are never easy. Even abandoning my dog for Spring Break isn’t an easy goodbye.

But by making the choice of whether or not the situation I’m in makes me happy, or whether or not the people I surround myself with respect me, I open myself up to opportunities that will fill me up, not break me down.

So make that decision for yourself. Root out all the negativities in your life. Build yourself up; don’t let others break you down.

Paige Tobin, Editor-In-Chief

Until we meet again-

May 2015

News

Zim’s Journey On May 5, Lakeview’s very own Jake Zimmerman, social studies teacher, left for the opportunity to travel the world into the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa. Zimmerman will be going to France, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Senegal, West Africa, South Africa, India, China and Japan before returning to Battle Creek.

Zimmerman got this opportunity to travel the world through the DeMaso Fellowship, which is run through the Community Foundation. Zimmerman said that this is open to any educator in the schools that are served by the Calhoun ISD. Two years ago, other social studies teacher Scott Durham went on the same trip. This year they’re offering it again, and this time to Zimmerman.

“I applied and went through the application process and I was fortunate enough to get it,” Zimmerman said.

What Zimmerman is looking forward to the most is being able to bring back what he learns, and share it with his students. Zimmerman is also looking forward to gaining new

Nate Jones

3

Reporter

perspectives on the world, the people and all of their cultures.

“It’s really neat to teach World History and get to travel the world and learn about it and bring it back to my World History students,” Zimmerman said.

Since Zimmerman left before school gets out, somebody has to teach the class while he’s gone. He and his class will be using Google Hangout for the rest of the year, which is a site where live discussions can be held. Zimmerman said since he’s about seven hours ahead, he will have to record the Google Hangout discussions on Youtube for the students to see while he’s unavailable. One other source he is using is Moodle, an online classroom for students to interact with their teacher who will be on the other side of the world.

Not only is Zimmerman a teacher, he is also the cross country coach. While he is gone, his captains will make sure the team is running according to schedule, and they will still be in contact with him through iMessage.

Courtesy Photo / Marilyn Lalrindiki

TEACHING ONLINE Zimmerman uses Google Hangout for the live discussions with his class, and uses Moodle for an online classroom. “I’m really excited to bring the world back to my classes,” Zimmerman said.

Courtesy Photo / Jake Zimmerman

D-DAY BATTLE Zimmerman’s great uncle, Percy M, Zimmerman, was a part of the Battle of D-Day. He is buried in the American Cemetery in Normandy France. “I never knew Uncle Pat but I was very honored to be his nephew,” Zimmerman said.

As of May 10, 2015, Zimmerman has been to Normandy and Bayeux, both in France, as well as Berlin, Germany, and Krakow, Poland.

Zimmerman said learning new information is one of his all time favorite things, so the first week has been wonderful. One of the most recent things he’s learned more about is the Battle of D-Day that took place in Normandy, France. In Normandy, Zimmerman’s uncle was in the Battle of D-Day and is buried in the American Cemetery.

“There is something about being right where an event happened that really makes history vivid,” Zimmerman said on his blog.

Before he goes to bed every night, Zimmerman writes down all of the details of information he learns for that day, so he doesn’t forget them when he returns.

Follow Zimmerman on Instagram @zimaroundtheworld.

To learn more about Zimmerman’s journey, go to his blog at www.zimaroundtheworld.com.

The Crystal

Courtesy Photo / Jake Zimmerman

LITTLE ZIM BIG WORLD Zimmerman stands in front of the Cathedral in Bayuex, France. “Unlike many churches, this one wasn’t bombed in the war so it retains 1000 plus year architecture,” Zimmerman said.

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News

The M-Step

The New Era of Standarized Testing This year, the class of 2016 was required to take an additional 8 hours of state mandated testing. This new addition is called the M-Step.

The M-Step, Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, was a new test developed by the state of Michigan to assess students in all standards developed by the state program “no child left behind.” It replaced the Michigan Merit Exam, which was a one-day test that covered all standards the state felt were not adequately covered by the ACT and Work Keys tests.

“The M-Step has many benefits to it, but the biggest downfall of it is the instructional time it takes away. It took about 8 hours and it’s very difficult to lose that much instructional time,” Principal Jeffrey Bohl said.

The M-Step tested students in English, math, science and social studies. The questions varied between multiple choice, short answer, number line figures and essays.

“The important thing for students to understand is with a test like this, you need to take it seriously no matter what and try your best so that we understand where we are as a district and how we compare to other districts,” Bohl said.

The original plan was to have it as an online test over the span of six days, however, due to an inadequate amount of technology availability, Lakeview was able to take the paper pencil test.This test was only split into four days and was not set up to progressively get more difficult as someone got more correct.

“The really good thing about this test is that we will be able to see where our students have weaknesses, and try and fix those for the future,” Guidance Counselor Rob Allison said.

“It lets us know what we still have to work on.”

lhs

Reporter

Cultural Day 2015

On May 15, Lakeview High School’s first Cultural Day was held in the Black Box. Lakeview has a lot of students here from different countries, such as China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Spain and Finland. Some of them are here as exchange students to spend a year in Lakeview. But before, they don’t have chance to communicate with each other, even some of them they don’t know each other. So, the Cultural Day provided a very good opportunity for those students who are from different parts of the world to express their culture by showing off their clothing and information that they feel very proud of.

This activity was organized by senior Kanta Yoshino, with help from senior exchange student Alex Fan and junior Na’kia Channey.

“The Cultural Day what attract me most about I can learn different culture from different people,” Fan said.

“I’m very interested to learn about other countries’ culture, but I don’t really have a chance, so Cultural Day is a very good opportunity. Before, maybe people don’t like some countries or some people from other countries, because they don’t know them very well, but after Cultural Day, it can help us to contact them, communicate with each other, maybe I will change my mind; I will like that country or people from that country.”

This year’s Cultural Day is just a beginning. Yoshino, hopes this event can make more people notice that students from different countries in Lakeview. It can help students to know about the other countries’ lives, their food, traditions, lifestyles and environments. This year’s Cultural Day is not an end goal for them. Furthermore, next year, they hope to create a Multi-culture Club for students to gain even more knowledge of other cultures.

The Future of M-Step As for next year, whether it stays as a paper test or makes the shift to an intuitive online test is still undecided. Howeve,r the state of Michigan has signed a contract and the M-Step test will continue.

Meggie Riegle

Minya Huang

Reporter

May 2015

“This is a great opportunity for all the exchange students to represent their countries. We are planning on doing a fashion show and make some food for people to try,” freshman Vietnam exchange student Ngoc Nguyen said.

“I feel very excited about the Cultural Day I think it’s an awesome chance to show the people on this school what Germany really is like. We’re going to present some German food, about soccer and some important German traditions,” senior German exchange student Laura Sandner said.

“Cultural Day is going to be a great day filled with amazing facts about countries that people have never heard of and that’s what makes this day special because we get to show everybody our “other side,” junior Chandni Patel said.

“Cultural Day will be the day where we present each other’s countries. We want to excite everybody to experience other cultures. I will present my culture with Haolirioual food, music and some pictures what present my country,” sophmore Austrian exchange students Lena Pircher said.

“Cultural Day is a day to show other people the diversity in Lakeview, people can learn from other cultures and countries. I’m really excited about Cultural Day to see other cultures and to show mine,” junior Finish exchange student Erika Anttila said.

Ads

The Crystal

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Ads

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140 Columbia Ave E, Battle Creek, MI 49015 (269) 968-3938 http://www.finleysamericangrill.com/ May 2015

Arts and Entertainment

G

raffiti has, for years, been seen as a form of vandalism, but as society changes and evolves, so does graffiti.

Graffiti is a direct reflection and response from the way we interpret the world around us.

Not all graffiti is artistic. Tagging is vandalism that marks gang terri-

tories and represents gang relation. Battle Creek is scattered with graffiti. Blank Canvas, a former urban art school for graffiti and street art headed by ‘Save1,’ taught students of all ages about a different world of art in hopes to open their eyes to a new form of art.

Rachel Silverman / Photographer

“Sign here” is Bonus Saves’ signature, which he adds to all his pieces.

Bonus Saves is also a part of RSK and has worked along side Save1 before in NYC. Bonus Saves, however, still lives in Michigan unlike Save1. “A graffiti artist’s signature defines them just as a regular signature defines you,” Save1 said.

GRAFFITI IN BC Michael Jones

Reporter

Most graffiti in downtown Battle Creek can be found either under bridges or on the buildings on Capital Ave. The majority of the graffiti on Capital was done by artist ‘Save1.’

“I started back in 1996 and most of the people I grew up with and worked with in New York City inspired me to start doing graffiti,” Save1 said.

“When I moved to Michigan I noticed there weren’t many art programs in the community so I opened up Blank Canvas to help provide the community with some exposure to an art form they weren’t familiar with,” Save1 said.

Red Star Krew (RSK) has painted the majority of the graffiti in Battle Creek.

“It was a fun experience to help expose and teach the community a new way of art they haven’t experienced themselves personally,” Save1 said.

“You get what you give,” this piece was created by Bonus saves, who is a member of Save1’s crew, Red Star Krew (RSK). much of his work is spread throughout downtown Battle Creek, as well as under the bridge.

“Stay Gold” Red Star Krew (RSK) did this piece of graffiti as a crew instead of single individual to show how their talents as a group could come together and make the community, in their eyes, more beautiful to look at.

The Crystal

“Fly like a bird,” the artist for the photo above is unknown because the tag was either not added or painted over by others. “Most of the graffiti under the bridge was done by me and my crew, RSK,” Save1 said.

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Arts and Entertainment

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SUMMER STOCK by// Adelyn Pyatte

A

June 9-14

COMING SOON...To The Barn Theatre

June 2-7

t Lakeview High School, theatre is a popular program and one of the most sought after electives in the school. Then of course there are the plays and musicals with casts and crews of sometimes 50 plus.

Most people do not know, however, that there are other opportunities to pursue theatre outside of school. Bad Wolf Theatre company, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, The Barn Theatre and What-a Do-Theatre Company are all local theatre companies at which students can audition to perform in shows. Senior Robyn Bankston, a veteran thespian, auditioned for a Bad Wolf Theatre Company original written by director and producer Rochelle Moser, Zell:The Musical.

“The character I played in the musical we did was a genie and my whole face was painted purple and my costume was painted purple so that was like really sweet. We did really cool makeup and it was just nice to broaden my horizons when it comes to playing a

June 16-28

June 30-July 12

July 14-16

July 28-Aug. 9

May 2015

different type of character,” Bankston said.

Bad Wolf’s next summer production will be another Bad Wolf Theatre company original called “Poison,” also written by director and producer Rochelle Moser with music by Zoie Moser. Spots are filling up for the summer’s production so make sure to visit http:// www.badwolftheatre.com to register.

Another popular theatre company among young actors and actresses looking to gain experience is the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Junior Matthew Ross went to see Les Miserables there.

“I saw Les Miserables when I was there mostly because I knew a couple of the cast members. It was my first time going to the Civic and it was an amazing experience. I loved how truthful the actors were and how they put together the production like any Broadway show,” Ross said.

Kalamazoo’s next show playing from June 13 to June 22 will be “The Sunshine Boys’ by Neil Simon.

Interested students can visit http://www.kazoocivic. com.

Although the Barn Theatre is for professional adult actors, students can still see all the shows they have to offer in their 69th season of Summer Stock. Tickets for shows are $37. For more information, call 731-4121 or go to barntheatre.com.

Aug. 11-23

Aug. 25-Sept. 6

Arts and Entertainment

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A Silver Screen Summer Sierra Craig / Crystal

Like most people, I spend a lot of time in the summer searching for a fun way to escape the heat. The one place I’ve found that is both fairly cheap, cold and exciting is the movie theater. There are so many movies coming out this year and I have a feeling that I will be spending a lot of time staring at one of the silver screens in my town.

While this year will not be the superhero blockbuster that next summer is expected to be, there are quiet a few movies that will be worth skipping out on the sun and settling into a seat. Below are some of this summer’s most anticipated movies.

Bailey Gastian A&E Editor

After finding himself in a new timeline, Kyle Reese teams up with John Connor’s mother Sarah and an aging terminator to try and stop the one thing that the future fears, “Judgement Day.”

A prequel set before the haunting of the Lambert family that reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Four young scientists achieve superhuman abilities through a teleportation experiment gone haywire. They must now use these abilities to save the world from an uprising tyrant.

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitors’ interest, which backfires horribly.

After a girl moves to a new home, her emotions are plunged into chaos as they compete for control of her mind.

The Crystal

Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.

Student Life

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MOST LIKELY TO (blank)

Seniors honor their classmates and their famous, or infamous, habits with some hard won titles.

Brady Broderick

Opinion Editor

BAILEE BROWN PAYTON PIERMAN Most Likely to Be a Blonde____________________________ MARAELA HURTADO GARCIA Most Likely to Be a Millionaire___________________________________ AN NGUYEN Most Likely to Live at Home Until They’re 40________________

Jon Haadsma BEN GALEN Most Likely To Be a Comedian _________________________ CAMERON BABAS Most Likely to Be the Biggest Redneck_____________________ HANNAH EMERY Most Likely to be Married to a Dog______________________

Chelsea Edwards

ADDITIONAL HONORS...

Jonjalyn Winchester gives Josh Paul “Most Likely to Have His License Revoked”....Maggie Hughes gives Hunter Bost “Most Likely GAVIN BRANAT Most Likely to Work At Wendy’s_________________________ to Marry a Kardashian”...Donte Tuggle gives SEAN MARVIN Geonte Miller “Funniest Story Teller”...Addie Most Likely to Live be a Victoria’s Secret Model_____________________ Pyatte gives Nick Gast “Most Likely to Live Happily Ever After with Addie”...Shanice Pinson gives Amanda Randolph “Most Likely to Be My Only Friend”...Morgan Love gives Autumn Donahue “Most Likely to Own 30 Cats”...Julia Miller gives Emma Farrell “Most Likely to Open a Yo Taco in Battle Creek”...Alora Pagels gives Travis Whitesell “Most Likely to be a Cartoonist”...Erinn Smith gives George Becker-Rust “Most Likely to Befriend Kim-Jong Un”...Taylor Brown gives Sam Ellinger “Most Likely to Live in a Van Down by the River”...

MICHAEL NAESSET Most Likely to Be Late to their own Wedding_________________________

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Photos By Sam Lanko

May 2015

Student Life

Confessions

The Class of 2015 discloses their secret crushes.

Nick Jones

Sports Editor

Jake Bivens ~ Kirby (Homer) Bivens, senior Bench press and curls. ~ Matt Barrett, senior I’m in love with Cole Cleaver ~ ???????

Anne Sangliana ~ Jake Herbers, senior

Emma Farrell ~ An Nguyen, senior

I still have a crush on Mrs. Skrceny. ~ Taylor Brown, senior

Taylor Swift ~ Cung Mawi, senior

I had the hots for Sidney Baxter sophomore year. ~ Adam Rifenburgh, senior I had a crush on Adam Rifenburgh freshman year. ~ Sidney Baxter, senior

Mrs. Norris, if I could take her to prom I would. ~ PJ Brady, senior Patricia Manning ~ John Vann, senior

Ariana Grande ~ Van Ceu, senior

All through elementary I had a crush on Tyler Horan. ~ Saige Vallela, senior The Crystal

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Student Life

Addie Pyatte, senior

NO RAGRETS As our senior year comes to an end, we may reminisce on our experiences at Lakeview High School. If you’re like me, you’re thinking about all of the things you should have done and wishing that you could go back again and do them. Let’s see what a few seniors have to say about the things they wished they would have done while in high school.

“I wish I would have come to Lakeview sooner.”

Adam Rifenburgh, senior “I wish I would have tried the theatre department out just to get a change of scenery and be more diverse.”

Jake Watson, senior “I have no regrets, not even a single letter.”

Meredith Miller, senior

“I wish I would have done a school club or more sports just because of all the the connections and opportunities that I might have missed out on.”

Andie Wilson, senior “I regret not playing volleyball my junior or senior year because now I’ll never have another chance to play on a team.”

Amber Hartlerode, senior

“I wish I would have done plays and musicals my sophomore year.”

Htay Thet, senior “I wish I kissed Ashley Chambers my freshman year because I had the biggest crush on her back then.”

Emma Karls, senior “I wish I never lied to my boyfriend and said that I was in college.”

Kim Mann, senior “I wish I would have joined more clubs, like National Honors Society.”

Brooke Cope, senior

Cole Cleaver, senior

“I wish I had gotten more involved, like going to basketball or football games and things like that.”

“Something I wish I would have done was be more social and did more things with other friends. I really like to come out of my comfort zone now that I am a senior. I want to meet more people and get to know them better.”

Ashley Roy, senior

Haley Kerner

“Thinking about all of us seniors going in different directions and potentially not seeing them ever again makes me wish I would’ve spent more time with my classmates outside of my close friend group.”

Reporter

May 2015

An Nguyen, senior “I wish I wouldn’t have broken up with Bella so quickly.

She is a great person.”

Student Life

Remember When.. ?

Julia Miller

13

Feature Editor

As the “best years of our lives” are wrapping up, it’s difficult to not be nostalgic of days past. We are dealing with parents who are having a hard time with their baby growing up, we are anticipating the next steps in life and we are making boards for open houses...those memories are priceless.

Elementary School “6NR was a group of guys who liked to mess with people’s houses and then a bunch of our girl friends joined us. We used every food and anything we could find. Lots of sauce, silverware, cream of wheat… even lava lamps were used to mess with houses. When we were finished, we’d knock on their door and wait for their reaction before running for our lives.”

-6NR Family

8TH GRADE FOOD FIGHT

* 6NR destroyed everyone’s house and blew up “Janet’s” neighbor’s mailbox with fireworks -Isabel Stich, senior * The rest of us could hear it from my house, -Matt Alderink, senior

Middle School “I threw up on my first grade teacher on the first day of school because he was in my face and was too sweaty and smelled bad.”

-Erinn Smith, senior

“I used to pull Adrianna Crowder’s weave and run, but then she caught up to me and pulled my hair so hard I fell. One time she chased me around the entire middle school. I was actually pretty scared for my life at one point.” -Sidney Baxter, senior

“Walking in on Taylor Brown in the bathroom, ‘Why didn’t you flip the sign?’”

-Maggie Hughes, senior

“You got the wall.” -Mrs. Ballard, middle school teacher

“It was the last five minutes of class and I had to pee, but I was scared someone would walk in on me so I peed in my seat.”

-Addie Pyatte, senior

It’s no secret that the Class of 2015 left middle school with a bang worth a few thousand dollars of damage after the food fight of the century.

Here’s what some seniors went through on that day. Will the Class of 2015 do something bigger and better as a goodbye to Lakeview High?!

Only time will tell.

“I told Jon Cooney I liked him almost everyday, but he never wanted me back so I moved on to A.J. Moore.”

-Isabel Stich, senior

“I told Mr. May I didn’t throw anything but then he had a picture of me throwing a sandwich. I never got in trouble for it. - TJ Fisk, senior I asked the lunch ladies for a tray full of pudding, then I just put my face in it. - Hunter Bost, senior I threw a carton of milk at someone, then someone threw a tray of ranch and another tray full of salad at me. - An Nguyen, senior I got hit with a cookie. - Morgan Love, senior I didn’t get in trouble at the food fight. - Isabel Stich, senior

Summer Memories

“Cam Babas, it was us who tp’d you almost every time.” -The Girls of the Sisterhood

L o l l a p al o o z a

“Boat parties on Goguac Lake” The Crystal

Student Life

14

Things I’ve Learned in High School After having four years of high school under their belts, seniors have a wealth of knowledge to share with the underclassmen. This advice comes in the form of legitimate enlightenment as well as sarcastic insight that will be sure to help underclassmen prepare for the high school years ahead of them.

School Relationships Fashion Homework Friends Jobs Extra-curricular Drugs Staying out of Trouble Relationships Taking Risks Alchohol Stress

RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

“Don’t get into a relationship; they are stupid and they end. When you think it is the end of the world it’s not you’re just being over dramatic.

Trust no one.” Isabel Stich, senior

“Stop making out with your significant other at every passing time. It’s gross.” Julia Miller, senior

SELF ADVICE “Always be yourself, being yourself will let people know you better, even if some don’t like it.” Kaylee Johnson, senior

“Do what makes you happy and don’t listen to what anybody has to say about it.”

Jenny Reimer, senior

“Be nice to everyone, there’s something cool in everyone.” Bailee Brown, senior

HARD TRUTHS As sad as it is, this is the time of your life that defines your future. Only you can determine if you get into a good college and that can be scary. Study, do your homework and get help from teachers. It will all be worth it in the end.” Shanice Pinson, senior

“Find truth to stand on so that you have a reason to say no to some things and yes to others. If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.” Taylor Brown, senior

MUST FOLLOWS

“SPLURGE.” Donte’ Tuggle, senior “Every day, strive to be more like Sevin Saycocie.”

Julia Miller, senior

“If you get Mr. Black ask him about his joke. It’s very “corny.” And rub Mr. Massey’s head for good luck.” Chelsea Edwards, senior

“Drop out as early as possible before it’s too late.”

Jon Haadsma, senior

HOW TO THRIVE IN PRISON

“Keep track of your classwork and homework. Get to class on time and focus.” Donte’ Tuggle, senior

“Make up your mind about college as soon as possible. Do your homework and try very hard.” Morgan Love, senior

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself. High school is fun at first but it gets serious real fast when you realize you blew off your whole freshman year. Take care of your grades first, and then you can have fun. Upperclasssmen, 85% of the time are not as cool as they think they are or are less mature than you. But we don’t talk about that. Stay true to yo’self.” Adelyn Pyatte, senior

“Pay attention to your schoolwork. That is always true. But, don’t forget that next to student, you’re a teenager. Be involved in things! Do a production, play a sport, take a fun class, hang out with foreign exchange students, and have fun becasue these are four years that you’ll never get back. You don’t have time to regret not doing that kinda stuff.” Maggie Hughes, sneior

May 2015

Student Life Paige Tobin

15 Editor-In-Chief

Goodbyes from the

Senior Staffers

The entire Crystal staff has worked extremely hard to bring to you, the reader, great material and news. Here, a portion of the staff expresses their sentiments about their time at the high school and bid us all goodbye.

This has been a great hunger games, you guys, but we all know that I’m the real Jedi Master and need to move on. At this point even the Avengers couldn’t prevent me from walking out those doors. May you all live long and prosper.

Saying goodbye has never been my strong point. I don’t enjoy saying farewell when I have the off-chance of seeing someone later. It makes for an awkward situation. But to all of my fellow students, I say farewell. Because I hope to never see most of you again.

Rachel Silverman, Photographer

Sierra Craig, Photographer

We’ve always been told that high school is the greatest four years of our lives. But many of us don’t look at it that way currently.

When I sat with my mom looking through photo albums for my open house invitation she was hit with a nostalgia that caused her to choke up like she was hit with tear gas. When we’re well into our lives looking through our yearbooks and cloud photo accounts we’re going to be struck with the same nostalgia, which I believe is best said by Andy Bernard of The Office: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

Carli Fettig, Reporter

I want to give a big shoutout to all my haters because they are the ones that keep me grindin’ each and e’ryday. I also want to give everyone readin’ this a little advice, don’t let your haters get to you because that is when you will fail. Use them as motivation like I did because that is what gives you the drive to be better than all dem haterz cuz de don’t no the tru u who will go to any length to strive for success like MLK.

Jon Haadsma, Reporter

Never wish any point in life away too fast. Be excited and prepare yourself for what’s ahead, but enjoy each moment you’re experiencing. High school has been an awesome stage in my life because my friends and I made it as fun as we could

Julia Miller, Feature Editor I walked into high school and I was like “EW.” Then I came to Crystal and I was like “KEWL” And my name is Addie with an “ie.” not a “y” because “y’s” are EW.

Addie Pyatte, Reporter Remember to always be yourself... Unless you suck, then pretend to be someone else.

Bailey Gastian, A&E Editor

I have literally spent the last four years with all of you. And I still hate you.

I’ve learned that high school is the best when you explore all that it has to offer. Don’t be afraid to join a new club, make new friends, or try a new hairstyle or outfit. This is the time to really explore who you are, and embrace your weirdness. P.S. congrats to my fellow seniors for making it!

Laurena Strohm, Photographer Goodbye everyone! I’ll see you all in therapy!

Haley Kerner, Reporter

Sam Lanko, Photographer The Crystal

Student Life

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SOCK IT TO ME

Brady Broderick

Prom:Teacher Edition

That time is near, folks; Lakeview’s prom is coming up on May 23rd. As we shop for tuxedos and dresses, and plan our elaborate promposals, let’s take a look at what prom was like for some of Lakeview’s staff.

Opinion Editor

Archeologists have found evidence of sock technology dating back to the 8th century and estimate that Stone Age nomads fashioned the footwear out of animal pelts and leather. Today’s socks have reached such unrivaled levels of coolness, however, that the only animal pelt and leather worthy enough to be used would be a bald eagle in a biker jacket. Once regarded as nothing more than foot prisons, socks have become the must have item to any stylish person. From bold patterns to random prints to blown-up portraits of Oprah Winfrey (available online for $12), there is a pair of socks to go along with any personality. But stepping up one’s sock game takes practice; luckily, these tips can turn any amateur into a professional.

Be Bold

The recent sock trend has been used by men to bring color, patterns, or individualism to subdued suits and business attire often use the recent sock trend. Since calf-high socks should be worn with dress pants anyway, its easy to experiment with different looks knowing that the socks’ nonsense could be covered if the situation calls for it, such as the case with a funeral or a job interview at the IRS.

Mr. Japinga

Holland High School “[I didn’t ask my date] in any way interesting whatsoever. I think I nervously just walked up and asked in the hallway. Half the promposals are more impressive than my marriage proposal.”

Don’t Try To Out-Sock Someone, Until You Have To

Mrs. Sleight

Harper Creek High School

(Featuring P.J. Brady)

“[Some popular music back then was] Ginuwine, Destiny’s Child and a whole bunch of rap. I think the music we listened to in high school is worse than what you listen to today.”

Is your classmate or co-worker trying to fire on your sock game by making his or her own feet the center of attention? Tread lightly, few people realize the danger of pursuing an arms, or in this case foot, race with novelty socks. Try to coordinate your schedules so your socks can get the focus they deserve, and if all goes well, perhaps the two of you could exchange socks after an intense washing. If this peace can be reached, then war is inevitable. Like the Russians at Stalingrad, you have no choice but to defend your sock street cred with your life.

Always Be Ahead of The Game

Fads are fickle things. One day your donut-printed tube socks are all the rage but a moment later they are ratchet attempts at individuality. To prevent this, be a game changer. Where would baseball be without Babe Ruth?

Where would science be without Einstein? Where would face tattoos be without Mike Tyson? Nowhere. Be that trailblazer, that pioneer, that maverick that tries the things no one imagines. What I’m trying to say is put your socks on your dog.

Don’t get cold feet, and when it comes time to replace your tired old tube socks, don’t foot the bill. Socks may get a bad rap for being foot prisons, but it is time for them to shine. That is unitl Summer, when we can wear sandals and you can’t hide your hobbit toes.

Mrs. Ormsby

Bay City High School “Right as I was leaving my house, I got into the backseat of my friend’s date’s car, and the bottom of my dress got caught on the door. As he shut the door, it tore the ruffle off the bottom of my dress.

So I went to prom with a torn dress. I mean, worst night ever.”

May 2015

Mr. Bohl

Otsego High School

“The selected venue for prom was very mediocre. My friends and I didn’t want to go there, so I decided to throw a different prom. We had about the same number of couples that ended up at the real prom. There was also a newspaper article about it in the KalamaHaley Kerner zoo Gazette.”

Reporter

TEAM BONDING Sports

Talent often speaks for itself, but teamwork makes the dream work. Often, this is one of the most challenging aspects of sports because great team chemistry does not always come naturally. Athletic teams in our school each have unique ways of creating Julia Miller team chemistry to carry them one step closer to success.

Junior Brandon VanOosten is a stand-out runner on the boys cross country team but says he wouldn’t be a success without his teammates.

“If it weren’t for all of the hot summer days filled with Call of Duty with my boys, that led into the hard morning runs the next day, I wouldn’t be where I am now as a runner,” VanOosten said. “We’ve created a brotherhood that we’ve named JEWC and together we are able to accomplish anything we set our minds to. We credit our success to our many dodgeball sessions, hot showers and swim days at Zim’s.”

The boys soccer team is not only a dominating force on the soccer field, they are also intense paintballers. Each season, the boys devote a day to ditching the pitch and hitting the paintball course.

“Paintballing helps our team dynamic because it forces us to work together in a different way so that we won’t get shot. It’s fun to see the team in a different element,” junior soccer player Ryan Hoffman said.

The girl’s basketball team experienced their best season yet this winter and credit their success to their team chemistry that developed. They took a unique spin to team bonding by playing crazy games in the gym on certain Sundays with their parents. The girls

CROSS COUNTRY

Feature Editor

favorite team bonding night was when Coach Kristin Moore brought body crayons for them to write what great things they felt like they brought to the team on one hand. On the other, they wrote what their team felt their strengths were.

“It helped us grow closer because it made each of us feel more important to our team by hearing what our teammates thought about us,” senior basketball player Conner Grosteffon said.

While the team brought more talent to the court this season compared to previous years, activities like this impacted their season greatly and created a more positive atmosphere.

The varsity team brought home a district championship and felt like their team played so well at the end of the season due to their consistent growth of team chemistry.

“Since we became closer off of the court, our chemistry on the court was so good, which led to much more success,” senior Kirby Homer said.

While each program has their own style of developing team chemistry to help them succeed on the court, field or course, they’ve also created lasting relationships to carry with them outside of athletics.

BASKETBALL The Crystal

SOCCER

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Sports

SPECIAL OLYMPICS The Special Olympics pledge is applicable to all of us, special needs or not.

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

I

n June of 1962, a young woman began “Camp Shriver” in her backyard for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Camp Shriver provided a place for mentally disabled children to exercise and have a fun time. The popularity of this idea grew and now there are Special Olympics, an event where hundreds of kids from all over come to compete. Still, they hold to Camp Shriver’s mission: to provide an environment that promotes physical wellness, courage and overcoming obstacles.

Lakeview High School has been attending a Special Olympics event for the past ten years. Special Education teacher Molly Keller has enjoyed taking her students to participate in Special Olympics for the past seven years.

Keller’s students participate in bowling, and track and field.

“We have had students compete at the state level. It does involve competition,” Keller said.

Keller also said that if students would like to volunteer at the event in the coming years, they should consider joining the Friends Forever club at LHS. “The students love spending the day with their Friends. They [the Friends Forever club] are the real stars of the day,” Keller said.

On May 8, 2015, Lakeview High School took 12 athletes to Bellevue High School with the goal of competing at the highest of their ability. Those athletes brought home the hardware with 18 first place finishes.

Nick Jones Jessica Hughes

Name: Michael Estey, junior Event: 4x100 Meter Relay What do you want others to know about the Special Olympics? “(The Special Olympics) is a very fun hobby and is very exciting, so you must come to it.”

Name: Michael Dykstra, sophomore Event: Softball Throw What about Special Olympics do you want others to know?

“It is fun and people should join. You get to meet new people.”

Name: Noah VanValkenburg, senior Event: Shotput

Name: Alora Pagels, senior Event: 50 Meter Dash What is your favorite thing about the Special Olympics?

“I like to do my best, and I like the friends, and thanks to Mrs. Keller and everybody. It was a great time.”

Sports Editor Reporter

May 2015

Sports

Name: Noah Wiley, junior Event: Softball Throw What do you want people to know about Special Olympics?

Name: Tyler Orns, junior

“It seems to be a very active activity.

It is good for excercising and running.”

Event: 100 Meter Dash What is your favorite part about competing in the Special Olympics?

“I like the softball throw and spending time with friends.”

The Crystal

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Health & Opinion

HappyHealth Reporter

Lakeview looks to exterminate the germs with the newly added Health Center at the Middle School

O

n April 30, Lakeview’s health center opened its doors to help aid students in health.

Students from Calhoun Community High School, Lakeview High School and Lakeview Middle School will be able to get immunizations, physical exams, mental health counseling and general health information, including reproductive health issues. They can also be treated for minor injuries and illnesses.

“Our mission is to keep kids in school,” Family Nurse Practitioner Beth Hoffman said.

This mission was first brought to the table early on in the school year. The goal then came to fruition with grants from the Michigan Department of Health, Human Services and the Michigan Department of Education. The office offers two operation rooms and three doctors: a family nurse practitioner, a medical

assistant and mental health care provider. This isn’t the first health center Battle Creek has had; in fact, there are two other health centers, one at Battle Creek Central High School and the other at Springfield.

Battle Creek Central’s health center has been open

(

(

Jon Haadsma

“Our mission is to keep kids in school.”

-Beth Hoffman

for 20 years and has given students the opportunity to see a doctor and for parents to get matched with the right health insurance plan. Having the presence of a health center helps kids be informed so they can make healthy educated decisions in their lives.

“Education through prevention. Educating healthy lifestyles and healthy choices so we will do activities throughout the middle school, high school and Calhoun Community that will help that,” Hoffman said.

Anyone who wants service will receive it. This will help create a school where sickness won’t spread as easily and as an end result keep students in school longer. Not only does it help the schools, it also helps families and communities.

“We have hit a lot of kids who don’t have insurance or who don’t go to the doctor frequently. They are up to date with their immunizations, they are up to date with their well child check and we help families to match them with insurance that best fits them,” Hoffman said.

Students won’t be left out in the dark during the summer either; all these services will be available throughout the year to help keep students up to date and healthy. Just know, before going for service, students must have completed a “consent for treatment” form, which must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Hours of Operation: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 7:30am-12:30pm & 1:30-4pm Wed 7:30am-1pm

The Fault Line In Our Stars: Galesburg’s Greatest Feat Carli Fettig

Reporter

According to Wikipedia Galesburg’s only “notable person”, or notable anything for that matter, is William Rufus Shafter. Shafter fought for the Union and was a major general. The notion that Shafter was a Union general shows the time period but also shows the 114 year gap of lack of anything notable since Shafter was in service. Now I’m not bagging on Shafter, I’m sure he was an excellent guy he fought for the Union so at least he wasn’t racist. But move over Shafter because a new force is to be reckoned with and it’s not the cadet grey horde fast approaching over the horizon, it shook the ground and drew considerable expert social media coverage. The Galesburg earthquake.

As most of us know there was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake whose epicenter was our own Galesburg, Michigan. If you didn’t physically feel the earthquake then you definitely saw it on twitter. #Earthquake, flushed face emoji, and smiling face with mouth open and cold sweat emoji were the only things on our timelines for about a hour.

Sure a couple of old buildings “became cracked” according to the owner’s with large insurance policy after the earthquake but the second strongest earthquake ever in Michigan has its perks. For example as I was scrolling though the Huffington Post App I saw a tile that read “Michigan Shaken By 4.2­Magnitude Earthquake” with a little star on a map of our great state. At first I

thought “Galesburg out here” to think a whole world could read an article on the disappointment of the second strongest earthquake ever recorded in Michigan consisting of “minor building damage” and “there have been no reported injuries” it just takes the sexyness out of the earthquake.

May 2015

Opinion

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Religious freedom restoration act. Provides that a state or local government action may not substantially burden a person’s right to the exercise of religion unless it is demonstrated that applying the burden to the person’s exercise of religion is: (1) essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and (2) the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. ProJessica Hughes vides that a person whose exercise of religion has been substantiallyReporter burdened

Religious

Freedom Restoration Act

We live in this culture of apathy and avoidance.

“Don’t make others angry” or “Walk away from the situation.” Basically, we are taught from a young age that if we disagree with someone, we hate them or if we are disciplined, we are hated. None of those statements are accurate. It is possible, maybe you didn’t know, to disagree with someone and still love them.

Keep that in mind as you read this, will you?

Much of the legislation about the RFRA has been exploded via the Internet, bad reporting, and commentators that may or may not have read the actual law that was passed. Because the state and federal law is all subject to be interpretation, it is important to read the bill in question before passing judgement, good or bad. I’ll even admit that I had not read this bill before Paige assigned this story to me.

As I researched various commentaries, other laws similar to this one, and background information, I started to wonder. What does this bill actually say?

Unlike many people who were passing judgements, I read the bill. Still not entirely sure where the controversy comes from, as the Constitution already protects the freedom of religion (FYI, the phrase “separation of church and state” appears nowhere in the Constitution, contrary to popular belief). The

First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Thus, I actually agree with the majority of the commentary. This law is completely uncalled for, unnecessary, and ridiculous. It’s already stated as the first line in the Bill of Rights. We shouldn’t need another bill saying the exact same thing. The RFRA “Provides that a state or local government action may not substantially burden a person’s right to the exercise of religion.” It is a law supporting the Constitution.

Some are claiming this violates the “pursuit of happiness” to which I say, your happiness being violated is not the same as your pursuit of happiness being violated. There is quite a difference.

Something I say often is, “Deal.” You don’t like someone? Deal. Someone doesn’t like you? Deal. It’s like this: people say and do all kinds of things in life that we don’t agree with and we don’t like. The way we deal with these issues comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes, including working it out between the parties in question like adults, calm and respectful, or letting it go. Often, when it comes down to it, you let it go anyways because cupcakes aren’t worth the time and energy. Are there are cases that need to be worked out in a courtroom? Absolutely. But not typically, and that policy reaches far beyond the RFRA.

Now on to a bit of a touchier side. The majority of the bill’s commentary has been “pro-gay marriage” or “pro-traditional marriage.” Of course, reading the bill you find there is nothing about gay marriage mentioned, and that the rights of the people not wanting to make a cake for this particular event are already protected. But let’s just say there is and there wasn’t.

The majority of the “hate” speech that has been publicized is from Christian bakers. Nobody knows about the Muslim bakeries that, also very respectfully, refuse to bake a cake for a gay wedding.

So there is a double standard here. Good thing we don’t have to worry about it, right, seemings how the bill does protect the businesses and citizens without mentioning gay marriage? Haha! *sarcastic laugh* To conclude, once again, I bring up: Love does not always come in the form of cuddles, rainbow unicorns, and marshmallows. On occasion, it will come in the form of being told you’re wrong. It can come in the form of a respectful disagreement, as well as not agreeing with everything a person says. Hate speech is, often, not hate.

To the people criticizing the bill without reading it, please do us all a favor and read it before opening your mouth again. To the people in support of the Constitution and in support of the bill, thank you for making wise judgements and supporting the USA.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act: Provides that a state or local government action may not substantially burden a person’s right to the exercise of religion unless it is demonstrated that applying the burden to the person’s exercise of religion is: (1) essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and (2) the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. Provides that a person whose exercise of religion has been substantially burdened.

The Crystal

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Opinion

#GOALS A lot of people look at cute Tumblr couples and wonder why their relationships aren’t like that and they probably don’t even realize that the problem is looking at their phone and not making it happen.

#RELATIONSHIPGOALS My expectations for a relationship are basically to be a cuter couple than we look in the instagram pics we upload. I want to be in a relationship where people look at us and say “Awww”.

Sibling love DOES NOT EXIST. My parents didn’t even bother teaching my siblings and I how to tolerate each other because there was no point anyway. Keeping my enemies closer has never been more literal.

#SIBLINGGOALS When siblings are close to the same age, it’s easier for them to be friends. I treat my friends like they’re my siblings and I expected that my siblings would be my friends too.

Grey meat and smooshed buns isn’t the most appealing thing to see when I’m eating. But when it comes to food, I guess the look doesn’t really matter as long as it tastes good.

TY ALI

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Taryn Snyder

NewsEditor

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: Jonathan Haadsma Minya Huang Jessica Hughes Michael Jones Nathan Jones Haley Kerner Addie Pyatte Megan Riegle photographers: Rachel Silverman Sierra Craig Laurena Strohm Samantha Lanko business manager: Carli Fettig 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.

#FOODGOALS Food ads always look so pretty which makes me want to buy it. When I open the box to eat my sandwich, I expect to see a perfect looking sandwich.

May 2015

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

Opinion

What Has High School Taught Me? The good, the bad, and all the rest.

I’ve spent the last four years walking these hallways. There have been some good days but there have also been some bad. That’s the first thing I learned from this place, every high has a low and that’s okay. While these days may seem insignificant when compared to the big picture, the lessons I have learned within these bricked classroom walls are what I am going to hold for the rest of my life, and, like the days I’ve had, the lessons are both good and bad.

Rachel Silverman / Crystal Staff

Conformity is key.

I hate the idea of conforming but I’m currently sitting in a school, doing the work I was assigned and wearing shoes. All of these things are me conforming to what society expects. If you don’t conform, you aren’t going to make it out of this building in one piece. It’s a sad truth, but someone had to say it.

The arts are important.

Take every art class you can. Join Art Club, the theater department, the communications staff, the music program. These organizations contain some of the most amazing people.

You’ll never find a better way to relieve stress or find yourself than within the arts.

Bailey Gastian

You can’t please everyone.

You are one person and there are over 7 billion people in the world. You won’t be able to please all 7 billion so don’t even try.

A&E Editor

Some of the most important lessons are taught from your fellow students.

Don’t let any teacher know this but they don’t know everything. Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned in high school are from my fellow students.

Though my teachers have made an impact on me, I don’t think I would be who I am today if I hadn’t had the classmates that forced me to learn the hard lessons.

Your friends are everything.

Who you’re friends with will determine how your high school experience goes. These people will be your support group when you fail that test or that idiot breaks up with you or your favorite character dies. Choose them wisely but remember that just because you’re friends now, doesn’t mean you have to stay friends.

Being rude doesn’t get you anywhere.

As a freshman, I was incredibly rude. I didn’t know the difference between sarcasm and being just flat out rude.

I was confronted with this just a few weeks ago when I was in the lunch line and an underclassman flipped out on me for running into them. While I’m still a little annoyed by that, I realized that freshman me would have done the same exact thing. I thought being rude was cool and funny. Now I realize that it made me seem petty and just downright annoying.

Everyone sucks.

It’s true, everyone does suck.

You just have to find the people that suck the least and befriend them.

No one deserves to sit alone.

If you are the same person at the end of high school, you didn’t do it right.

Teenagers are awful, awful creatures.

If you see someone who is alone, being bullied or just needing a friend, talk to them. I don’t care if they stare at you and tell you to leave them alone, at least you made sure they were okay.

Caring is cool.

Help everyone you can. There is a Latin saying that says “Non nobis Solum Nati Sumus.” It roughly translates to not for ourselves alone are we born. This is so true. We all share this space, we all breathe this air and share these experiences so let’s help each other however we can.

I look back at freshman me and cringe. Freshmen, I hate to say it, but who you are now is not who you are going to be when you’re in my place. If you don’t change, it means you didn’t do enough. Try everything you can, do as much as your schedule will allow and never let your fear prevent you from doing something new. These experiences will help mold you and hopefully better you. High school really isn’t about the grades or the sporting events or the friends.

High school is about learning who you truly are, finding your niche and trying to get out of this building alive.

The Crystal

Nice Guys Don’t Finish Last Nick Jones

Sports Editor

As the current generation has slipped on by, the way in which men treat their partners has significantly changed. The old fashion ways of being a gentleman such as opening car doors and respecting the girl’s parents have slowly faded away. These once chivalrous acts of love have evolved according to this generation.

The standards women look for nowadays have transformed the expectations that men now have to fulfill. It is extremely sad to say that a worthy gentleman according to society today would be someone who texts his love every second of the day to make up for lost time together. Since the generation has been built around the advancements in new technology, it has become socially acceptable to be a techno-gentleman.

Not in my book.

Remember the days when men used to have to drive to their woman’s house to ask them out on a date? The society today has taken away the social factor in relationships. Instead of discussing face to face, many couples talk through electronics. Might as well start asking for marriage through a text message.

This is not a bash on all the men who text their partners. In fact, it is good that men are so caring about them. However, I think, as gentlemen, we can take one step further. A true gentleman is one who is selfless and is not afraid to discuss problems in person. Honesty in a relationship will go a long way.

Along with these significant traits come the little things. A woman wants a man who is willing to show his love in public. This is seen by opening doors when not asked, picking her up when it is wet out and simply make her feel as if she is the center of attention.

Lastly and most importantly, this generation makes individuals feel as if they have to be “bad boys” to win over a woman and that being a gentleman is considered weak. If there is one thing I have to say, it is this: women may want to have fun, but in the end, they want to be loved and treated like no other individual.

Whether it is asking how her day is going, keeping her dry on a rainy day or wiping the tears off of her face, a gentleman will not go unnoticed if he treats his lady right.

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