December 2016 pdf

News at a Students take protests to the streets of Glance Washington DC for Million Woman March

Annual holiday concert rescheduled to after the New Year

PHOTO BY KEATON SMITH ‘17

By Grace Brooks ‘18

STAFF WRITER The holiday season is upon us which means festive lights, lighting the menorah, picking out presents, and, of course, the annual holiday concert. The concert was originally scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12th, but has been moved to Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017 at 7:30 pm due to the snow day. All of the high school choir groups will be performing: Madrigals, Bella Voce, Chamber Singers, freshmen female, and freshman male.

Some of the songs that will be performed are “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “12 Days of Christmas”.

“I really like our song ‘Ring Out Wild Bells’ because it is very different from all the other songs and it is super powerful,” Livi VanderHyde ‘18 said. “We’ve all been working super hard and it will be a really great show!”

Administration aims to unite students on MLK Day

By Ashley Ward ‘18

STAFF WRITER This January, EGRHS students are embracing the message of Martin Luther King Jr. by returning the tradition of a Martin Luther King Day Assembly.

The theme is E.A.S.T. which stands for “Embracing All - Stronger Together.” Although many of the details regarding the assembly are still being planned, The assembly hopes to include student participation, music and a professional presenter.

“Various other things have been tried over the years to effectively communicate the importance of the message of Martin Luther King. Over the course of planning, it has become increasingly more evident, given our sociopolitical climate that a time for unity is needed and we think gathering together as a student body is one small step in helping the process” Jeff Webb said.

The return of the assembly hopes to spread to idea of Martin Luther King and continue to spread the message of unity.

Students prepare for feminist march on Washington DC the day after PresidentElect Donald Trump is inaugurated

By Asha Lewis ‘18

STAFF WRITER The Million Women March on tion results and also showing that Washington, the day after Inaugu- we’re not going to sit by quietly and ration Day, isn’t to protest the inau- just watch them make changes,” Sue guration of President-elect Donald West said. “People are going to be voTrump, which is a popular miscon- cal and they’re going to express their ception. It’s not to chastise the male dislike of what’s happening and it it population or protest the Trump ad- will show that the majority of Ameriministration. This march, which is cans don’t believe in racism and sexprojected to include more than a million women participating either in the march in Washington DC or many other major cities around the United States, it’s a peaceful protest for basic human rights.

Members of our student body have taken the initiative to take part in this march, taking place on January 21, 2017, including Tess Cronin ‘17.

“The million women march in D.C. is promoting equality between women and men,” Cronin said. “I’m attending this march because some of Trump’s comments towards women have given the impression that he is going to take a significant step back in the movePHOTO BY KEATON SMITH ‘17 ment for equality and we want to show that the people, specifically women, of this na- ism and homophobia. It’s sending a tion will be holding the government message and it’s helping making me accountable for our equal rights.” feel like I’m making a difference.”

Sue West and Kris WaschFor people who also want to make busch, parents of Eleanor West ‘17 a difference but don’t have means of and strong advocates for women’s transportation, the Fountain Street rights, plan on taking their entire Church has organized chartered busfamily to march on Washington. ses for a $150 round trip for any West “Signing up to go to the march Michigan people willing to march for felt like we were actually effectively women’s rights. Suzy Deems ‘18, is showing our disapproval for the elec- planning on travelling with her family

on one of these buses, and can’t wait to voice her opinions on human rights.

“I believe all people are created equal. Women should have the same rights as men, no matter what,” Deems said. “This election has alienated many groups of people like minorities, handicapped, refu-

gees, Hispanic, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. We need to tell the world that we are behind them and support them and do not stand with President elect Donald Trump.”

For many, this march is seen as a call to action for people to become empowered and speak up in their community about equal rights for all genders.

“It allows people to see how many other people agree with

what you stand for; it’s empowering,” Kris Waschbusch said.

The participants in the march aren’t expecting the election to be overturned of for a life-changing bill to be passed immediately, but for a message to be sent to the country.

Recently, the Presidential Inauguration Committee urged the National Park Service to prohibit the use of Lincoln Memorial as a protest site. The Lincoln Memorial has been the most popular rallying site, from the Civil Rights march in 1963 to the Break Free march, a protest to end offshore drilling by marching from Lafayette Park to the Lincoln Memorial just last May. The protestors and others not participating can still access the memorial, however, it will be in use for inaugural events. Since the committee requested a permit prior to the organizers of the march, the memorial was granted to the committee. The National Parks service is planning on working with the Million Women Marchers to find an alternative location.

If interested in attending the Million Women March on Washington, or in Lansing, visit www. fountainstreet.org or contact Fountain Street Church’s executive director Jack Woller by phone at at (616) 459-8386 or via email at jwoller@fountainstreet.org.

The legality and and logistics of the Michigan recount come into question as both sides allege voter fraud

By Ben Sagritalo ‘18

STAFF WRITER Just as we were finally getting used to life without the turbulent presidential election, voting practices across the country are being critiqued.

Green Party Nominee Jill Stein filed for a recount in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, citing possible voting irregularities. President Barack Obama, joined by a bipartisan group of Senators such as Senator John McCain of Arizona and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York are advocating for an investigation into allegations of Russian influence in the election.

Secretary Hillary Clinton decisively won the popular vote, even as she lost the election, due to Donald Trump’s narrow Electoral College win. This has left many Americans believing there are significant issues with the voting practices in our country.

Many Americans are choosing to vent their frustration with the results of the election through Green Party Nominee Jill Stein’s recount effort. The recount campaign was launched on November 22nd as an effort to “Audit the Vote” after allegations of voting discrepancies in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. With the margin of victory in the three states being 10,704, 22,177, and 44,307 votes, respectively, they

Reflecting on President Barack Obama’s eight years during his last month News 4

were the deciding states in the election. If the recount effort produced enough new votes for Secretary Clinton to win each of those states, she

“

It’s definitely possible [for the recount to change the winner of Michigan’s electoral votes], however, the way recount will be conducted will make it nearly impossible to change [the results]... a significant portion of precincts in Michigan aren’t eligible for a recount.

”

Spencer Bowdle ’17 would become the President-elect.

“It’s definitely possible,” Spencer Bowdle ‘17 said of the potential for a recount to change the winner of Michigan’s sixteen electoral votes.

“However, the way recount will be conducted, will make it nearly impossible to change [the results]... a significant portion of precincts in Michigan aren’t eligible for a recount.”

Over 7 million dollars has been raised for the recount campaign, and while it is being advocated for by Jill Stein, many people believe it is to help Secretary Clinton.

“I believe most of the supporters of the recount are Democrats hoping for election results to change,” Drew Thomas ‘18 said, “Obviously Hillary Clinton’s supporters aren’t happy with the outcome.”

The slight possibility that a recount could potentially change the result of the election are now unfeasible, due U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith deciding that Jill Stein was not eligible to call for a recount. After previously ruling in favor of the the timing of Jill Stein’s recount, Judge Goldsmith ruled she was not an “aggrieved party”, a candidate that could be affected by a recount effort due to her fourth place finish in Michigan.

Goldsmith’s ruling effectively shuts down the recount process in Michigan.

Even if the Michigan recount was permitted, history shows us that it would likely not change the overall

results. In the last presidential election a recount had a significant role, the 2000 Election in Florida, the election results did not change in a meaningful way. The chances of the recount significantly reversing Donald Trump’s election as president are even more negligible considering Donald Trump’s margin of victory in the three states far surpassed that of President George W. Bush in the states recounted. In addition, Secretary Hillary Clinton would need to win Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania to win the presidency, compared to Vice President Al Gore, who only needed Florida to be elected president.

The use of technology in our electoral process has also been highlighted in this election. The Washington Post has reported that the CIA now concludes that the Russian Government acted to help Donald Trump’s election as president. The Russian Government has been accused of hacking into the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign, which provided Wikileaks with thousands of emails. While these acts have been confirmed, it has inspired numerous conspiracies on the extent of Russian involvement in the presidential election.

Holiday gift guide for all of your gift giving needs

Renowned swim coach achieves 20th state championship

Entertainment 6

Sports 11

Lykins or not Trump’s cabinet puts economy over environment

By Jack Theut ‘17 BUSINESS MANAGER

ILLUSTRATION BY LUKE ELDER ‘17

Why wait until New Years to make resolutions? so they feel better, which are all good things if they are beneficial to the way you feel. However, the purpose of New Year’s resolutions is not to ensure that other people like you, or the way you look, but a personal goal for the sake of yourself.

After a long holiday break of lots of eating and lack of exercise, people typically result to resolutions such as going to the gym more, going on a diet, or eliminating something unhealthy from their diet. While these resolutions are going in the right direction, often times they don’t last. After about a month people get lazy and their resolutions are forgotten, and they change back to their old habits. These resolutions typically fail because they are unrealistic. Setting realistic goals that you will be able to follow through with is what makes the resolutions last.

For example, instead of saying that you will go to the gym once a day, you could make the resolution more fitting to your busy schedule by saying that you will go to the gym maybe once or twice a week. Changing these resolutions into things that are achievable to you will ultimately improve yourself and what you’re getting at for the new year. Without leaving this feeling of failure that often results from

unreasonable, unrealistic resolutions we generally make.

Rather than making a New Year’s resolution, you can be constantly setting smaller, more realistic goals throughout the year to improve yourself in a more efficient way. The act of making a New Year’s resolution is not all bad, but I think making one goal for the entire year will not last. If something is bothering you about yourself, or there’s something you want

realistic goals “ thatSetting you will be able to follow through with is what makes the resolutions last.

Sophie Ackermann ‘18 STAFF WRITER

“

Year after year, towards the end of the holiday season, people everywhere are conSophie stantly challenging themAckermann ’18 STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER selves with their personal New Year resolutions. However, many people set unrealistic goals that they are not willing to achieve.

The purpose of resolutions are to give the idea of a fresh start, a way to change one’s self for the better in the coming year. They are meant to be meaningful and realistic to the specific person, whether it’s your appearance, confidence or simply accepting yourself.

While New Year’s resolutions can be beneficial to many, if you have something you want changed, why wait until Jan. 1? These goals and resolutions should be set year round, and should be made for the person, not for what others might think of them.

When people make their New Year’s resolution, they usually are trying to change themselves in some way or improve themselves for the sake of others. What’s more important than that is to accept yourself. Often times people get so caught up in comparing themselves to others, and make resolutions to get themselves in better shape, or to look better

to change, why should we wait for the New Year to have a fresh start? We should make resolutions throughout the year if we have enough determination to do something.

Teachers’ ‘hello’ creates positive classroom environment

By Hannah Stursma ‘18 STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY KEATON SMITH ‘17

Each passing period, hundreds of students rush down the halls of East Grand Rapids High School. The constant chatting and slamming of the lockers rings through the halls.

The hustle and bustle in the hallways can make your walk to class hectic and stressful.

Having your teacher greet you at the door is a calming way to start class.

A teacher’s mannerisms at the door can govern the vibe for the rest of the class. Teachers who are sitting at their desk, not connecting with the students, leaves a bad vibe in the classroom.

A nice greeting at the door can help students get settled into their seat. It

can also help students get their materials prepared for the start of class. Teachers can give students a brief summary of what they need to do before class begins. This can leave students feeling confident and ready for class.

“I think that greeting students is a positive and friendly thing to do. And it’s the right thing to do,” Pierre Sirois said, “I also like seeing everything that is going on in the halls.”

Greeting students at the door will also start a positive relationship with students and the teacher. Positive relationships will lead to smoothly run classes. In addition, positive relationships also give students the motivation to learn and do well.

Students are more likely to understand the material when they have a connection with the teacher that is teaching them the material. The start of these relationships begins with the teacher connecting with the student each day.

A simple greeting at the door will save class time that would have been used connecting with students.

Good vibes and connections in the classroom all begin with a nice hello at the door before the start of class.

Two weeks of break allows students to finally rest

By Katherine Lykins ‘19 STAFF WRITER

Two weeks, fourteen days, and depending on the person and what they do, a lot of relaxation. Holiday break is a time to do one of two things; you can vacation somewhere, or you can sit in front of the screen watching “Friends.” I believe we need two weeks to take a break in order to refresh our mind and rest, whether it be on a beach in Florida tanning, or lying in bed.

Lately, rumors have been spurring the school regarding the length of Holiday break, specifically the length of it for the following years, and I have the answer for the 2017 break. Next year, our two week Holiday break is secured, and as for the year after, we’ll just

have to wait and see. Rather than shortening our Holiday, the school board decided it would be best to add on a week at the end of the

school year, as many of us know. This is a relief to all the seniors graduating three weeks prior to the last day of school, and for the freshman through juniors - we’ll just have to deal with it.

I stand by my belief that at least once dur-

ing the hectic school year, students and teachers need time to settle and spend time with family members and friends. This is because, at least for me, school leads to tests and tests directly lead to stress. With these two weeks we get a kind of mental recuperation from those nine months of consistent school, with our only next bet at vacation being GRAPHIC BY GRACE FRENCH ‘17 Spring break. A week break can’t even compare to the two week holiday break.

And our two week break will hopefully continue as the years go on and the school days add up.

With the election of the new President of the United States, people across the country and the world are anticipating many changes in Washington that will impact all of us. Currently, the President-elect’s nominations for positions in his executive cabinet are signaling to the US and the world what some of these changes may look like. One of the new cabinet members, Scott Pruitt, was selected to be the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pruitt, who is well known for his skepticism of climate change, has drawn criticism from many due to his hardline stance on the matter, coupled with the fact that he seems to have no interest in making an effort to improve the environment. Instead, he wants to create a booming economy at the expense of our environment. Trump’s team has previously praised Pruitt for being a national leader against the EPA because they believe the EPA is killing the jobs of coal workers. On top of this, Pruitt is one of the attorney general’s who is suing the EPA over President Obama’s Clean Power Plant, which was put into place to lower greenhouse emissions from coal plants.

Personally, I think Scott Pruitt being nominated by President-elect Trump as the head of the EPA is not in the best interest of our country from both an environmental standpoint, and an economical standpoint.

With the issues our world is facing right now, ranging from rising temperatures of the earth to air pollution and polluted water, it would be more fitting to nominate someone who is not only knowledgeable about the scientific research behind environmental issues such as global warming, and who is also committed to protecting the environment. I believe the economical issues should be addressed by other cabinet members. The United States had a large population of people combined with a high number of factories and power plants in comparison to other countries. As a result, the US is a major player in the global environmental conversation around the world. We have the opportunity to shape this conversation, and set an example for the rest of the world. Scott Pruitt sends the wrong message, and suggests that the US is not interested in protecting the environment.

THE VISION

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Keagan Haulenbeek ‘17 MANAGING EDITOR: Keaton Smith ‘17 WEB EDITOR: Shannon Ors ‘17 NEWS EDITORS: Auden Barger Elliott ‘17, Hanna Sanford ‘17 OPINION EDITORS: Annie Meyer-Rasmussen ‘17, Grace French ‘17 ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS: Dylan Schwartz ‘18, Graham Young ‘17 FOCUS EDITORS: Grace Ruppert ‘17, Liz Schumar ‘17, Marisa Mooney ‘18 SPORTS EDITORS: James Lykins ‘17, Jack Foy ‘17, Justine Banbury ‘17 BUSINESS MANAGER: Jack Theut ‘17 PHOTOGRAPHER: Keaton Smith ‘17 ADVISER: Katie Michell STAFF WRITERS: Alexandros Adamopoulos ‘19, Sophie Ackermann ‘18, Grace Brooks ‘18, Hallie Butterer ‘17, Anna Dayton ‘17, Niki Ezeh ‘17, Ella Gourley ‘18, Hub Hejna ‘17, Asha Lewis ‘18, Katherine Lykins ‘19, Kate Olsson ‘18, Caroline Pursley ‘18, Pierce Ruppert ‘17, Ben Sagritalo ‘18, Hannah Stuursma ‘18, Ashley Ward ‘18 General Information: The East Vision is a monthly, nonprofit production of the East Grand Rapids High School Journalism II class and is distributed free to students and faculty.

The newspaper is run out of Room 212, and the staff may be reached at (616) 235-7555, ext. 5256.

Subscriptions: The East Vision supports itself primarily through community support, including subscriptions and advertising. Subscriptions, which cost for $40 annually for patrons, include all nine regular issues plus any special editions publishe throughout the year. Please email subscription@theeastvision.com for more information.

Advertising: Advertising submissions are referred to the attention of the Business Managing Editor. Please email advertising@theeastvision.com for more information.

Association Memberships: This publication is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA), the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). East has received MIPA’s Spartan Award fourteen times, placing it in the Hall of Fame.

Corrections: The East Vision strives for accuracy. We welcome readers to correct any mistakes we may have made.

Please email corrections to corrections@theeastvision.com Letters to the Editor: Letters to the Editor are encouraged.

Letters will be screened for libel, irresponsibility and obscenity. The Editorial Board reserves the right to shorten all letters. Letters should include the signature of the author, and anonymous letters will only be printed at the discretion of the Editorial Board. East Vision reserves the right not to print any item submitted for publication. Please email letters to letters@theeastvision.com

Public school teacher retirement at risk

Quick Facts: · The Michigan Public School Employee Retirement Service (MPSERS) Thomas Kawel was founded in 1945 to GUEST WRITER AND TEACHER provide a modest but reliable retirement income for Michigan’s public school employees. · Republicans ended retirement health care for teachers hired after September 4, 2012. · No guarantee: Republicans now want to gamble all new teachers’ retirement plans in “the market.” · Retirement security for all: A pension system distributes both the risk and reward evenly between members and the State. · Any possible savings to the State through this new reform would not be realized for 30 years or more. The immediate cost to close MPSERS would cost up to $24 billion over the next 30 years.

There are three things I am sure of this December: East Hockey rules; my two-yearold, Sweet Remy, is the size of a four-year-old; and the Republican party now controls our nation’s and the State of Michigan’s executive and legislative branches. Obi Wan Kenobi, you’re our only hope.

The Michigan legislature is quickly ending a lame duck session that will be, in the minds of liberals, answered with a flock of vengeful, public servant-hungry fowl (read: elephants). What I mean to say: the Republican party, a noted antagonist

of public educators in our state, will maintain control of the Senate and House through December 2018. This body has the power to enact new and amend previous legislation that will be harmful to educator’s interests and, most important, students’ interests. However, for the sake of this op-ed, let’s stick with recent discussions that impact public school employee’s lives.

Conservatives proposed that Michigan public employees move from their current state-funded retirement plan to a 401 (k)-style plan. In other words, teachers need to fund their own retirement. Recognizing MPSERS as an unfunded “liability” following the 2008 economic downturn, conservatives fail to realize that MPSERS is on track to become fully funded – it needs time to bounce back. Similarly, switching to the Senate’s new proposal would potentially cost East Grand Rapids Public Schools $7,571,760 over the next five years. East’s budget is approximately $30 million each year, and while (yes) roughly 60% of its budget is dedicated to funding its teachers, losing an average of 5% percent of revenue is equal to cutting: the athletic program (yep, all of it), transportation (we’re getting new vans this year!), and all central administrative costs.

Future Speaker of the House and State Rep. Leonard (R-DeWitt) recently claimed that “35-40% of [school district’s] payroll is going to this broken retirement system. [By attacking the system], it will save money in the budget, and it will allow us to put more money

into the classroom.” What Leonard neglects is that “putting money into the classroom” does not increase student achievement unless it is directly tied to the educator within said classroom. Studies over the past 20 years affirm that the teacher is the most important factor in student achievement. Sure, a school might have a killer robotics laboratory and sweet new jerseys for every student not participating in athletics, but what true impact do these materials have on youth? Yet, the Republicancontrolled legislature has quite consistently attacked teachers.

Look around you. Your teachers – yes, those people that truly do care about you and your development – haven’t seen a raise in a decade. Now, new teachers will enter a profession in which “raises” or “cost-of-living adjustments” do not exist, there is no guaranteed healthcare upon retirement, and there is no guaranteed retirement savings. We are no longer treating public school employees (ß that means “teachers”) as professionals. Let me rephrase that: teachers are no longer professionals. In the eyes, the voices, and the minds of your elected officials, your educators are only important until they retire.

Remember what happened to Boxer the horse in Animal Farm. Come on, freshman year? The most loyal animal to Animalism and Animal Farm? Yeah, he was turned into glue.

So the pigs could buy whiskey.

By Ben Sagritalo ‘18

Rapids students simply know for its tulips and as a summer beach destination has been one of the areas hit hardest by Betsy DeVos’ radical education policies.

GRAPHIC BY ANNIE MEYER‘17

Michigan’s school choice and charter school policies-- championed by Betsy DeVos herself-- devastated the small West Michigan’s public school system. The policy allowed for significant number of students to attend school in a neighboring school districts, and

By Shannon Ors ‘17

STAFF WRITER Perhaps the only type of alarm that can elicit a celebration in the early morning of a school day is that of a dinging text message delivering the blissful words that school is canceled. However, just before students can doze off into a blissful slumber, a storm of dreaded Remind 101’s explode on their phone screens.

Mother nature may have canceled school, but thanks to virtual learning platforms teachers are not giving up that easily.

The conglomerate of learning platforms that students bookmark on their Symbaloos and have download as apps on their phones foster a culture in education that expects students to engage with their class outside of school hours.

Deadlines are now assigned at 12:00 a.m. on a Saturday night. Youtube pencasts now replace whiteboards as the means of delivering lesson content. Substitute teachers once use to mean a study hall or educational film, but now equate to a laundry list of worksheets or a dreaded webquest. The pervasiveness of technology has crept into the most unwelcomed spaces blurring the line between home and school.

RIP Boxer.

Unqualified: Betsy DeVos nomination STAFF WRITER When I heard Betsy DeVos was nominated to be our next Secretary of Education, I was initially excited. Even as a Democrat, I thought it would be great to see someone so familiar to Grand Rapids leading our nation’s education department. As a resident of Grand Rapids, we’ve been fortunate to see firsthand the impact their family has had on our society.

The founders of Amway, owners of the DeVos place and other buildings, and the namesake of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the DeVos family has had a tremendous role in shaping the West Michigan community.

That excitement soon died down after I saw the impact Betsy DeVos has had on Michigan schools. As a lifelong advocate for school “choice”, charter schools, and school voucher programs, policies championed by Betsy DeVos are precisely the reason many Michigan schools are floundering.

In order to see the impact the potential consequences of a Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, we don’t have to look much farther than our neighbor 45 miles to the west, Holland, Michigan. The city many East Grand

School on snow days

allowed for the creation of unregulated charter schools. As a result, many students fled the Holland School system for schools in neighboring districts and charter schools. Schools in neighboring towns and charter schools systems were left overcrowded, while the largely underfunded Holland Public Schools was forced to close nearly half of its schools. While a small minority of students attended better schools as a result, it damaged the quality of education received by the vast majority of Holland residents.

Like the man who nominated her, Betsy DeVos is exceptionally unqualified. As someone who isn’t even qualified to teach in a school within the state of Michigan, she has no business running the public education system of the entire country. In fact, as an alum of Holland Christian High School and Calvin College, she’s never attended a public school in her life. Neither have her children, who graduated from Grand Rapids Christian. Every student and teacher at East Grand Rapids High School has more experience with public schools than Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Edu-

PHOTO BY KEATON SMITH ‘17

Snow day homework in particular is the product of a myriad of circumstances, but most noticeably it reflects the pressure of teachers to stay on timeline for completing the curriculum.

With the school year starting later each subsequent year, advanced placement teachers have an even shorter window to prepare students for their exams in May. I wholly empathize with the stress teachers are under and why they resort to snow day homework, however I question the effectiveness of such assignments and if this type of learning really makes up for lost time in the classroom. In many cases, teachers will still have to review the material in class once school resumes and deal with the miscommunication that often ensues from virtual learning. Eliminating the ancillary lesson plans such as an educational film may be a better alternative to makeup for loss days of school instead of compensating with snow day homework.

If the trend towards virtual learning continues, at the very least the school should make an effort to address the ambiguities that come with the territory of virtual learning. Specifically addressing when homework can be assigned outside of regular school hours as well as when it can be turned in would not only foster a healthier learning environment, but keep students and teachers to the same standard.

easttalk: What is the most meaningful thing you learned in 2016?

Staying Positive

“I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason, as far as college goes. Getting denied sucks, but figuring out where you’re going and that it’s the right fit is really rewarding. Make the most of your situation.”

Kate Robertson ‘17

PHOTOS BY KEATON SMITH ‘17

Civic Duty

“I would say with ‘We the People,’ I have learned to become a better citizen by doing things like voting and helping make government decisions. In ‘We the People,’ I’ve learned a lot more about government and what I can do to help us progress.”

Michael Barnes ‘18

Time Management

“I’ve learned how to manage my time better going from middle school to high school with the homework and sports. I really struggled in the beginning of the year, but I’ve learned how to study better.”

Halley Elliott ‘20

Power of Knowledge

“This year I’ve learned the power of knowledge is not measured by someone’s GPA. The power of knowledge is measured by the impact of your knowledge on other people. ”

Ben Biermacher ‘19

December Decisions

By Sophie Ackermann ’18 STAFF WRITER

With the holiday season coming up, it’s easy to forget about the endless amounts of stress from school. However, this is not the case for those waiting on their college acceptance letters. For most seniors, their holiday break is filled with anxious anticipation for those critical letters which can make or break your holiday.

“Hearing back around the holidays is great if you’re getting good news and good motivation going into exams to do well,” Emily Roth ‘17 said.

Even though these letters have the possibility to bring down the holiday season, receiving them during break could also have its advantages. “I don’t really mind hearing around the holidays because there are lots of other things going on that help take your mind off of it,” Maddie McCahill ‘17 said.

While most seniors apply to more than one schools, some have put all their hopes into one school, uneasily waiting for the one letter to determine the next few years of their lives.

For many seniors, finishing their applications is an accomplishment in itself. “I’m really relieved to be done with my applications but also nervous to hear back from colleges,” McCahill ‘17 said.

Many seniors from East have applied to the University of Michigan which typically tells students that it will send out their decisions on Dec. 24th, cutting it very close to Christmas. Although many students will receive their letters soon, students will still find ways to enjoy the holidays.

In numbers...

210

The number of colleges in the U.S. that take applications for early decision.

15

The average difference between early and regular decision acceptance rates. The early decision rate is higher than the regular decision rate for most colleges.

317

The number of colleges in the U.S. that take applications for early action.

Students value philanthropy during the holidays

By Caroline Pursley ’18

STAFF WRITER

The holiday season is upon us and this time of year always seems to bring out the best in people. Everybody can feel the holiday spirit that is wafting throughout the air that makes each all of us in a better mood. This is the time of year when we get to reminisce on our lives and think about all we are thankful for and upon reflecting, we become inspired to help others that aren’t as fortunate as us.

All over the country people are participating in acts of philanthropy and our school is no exception.

The Latin Club has once again decided to help out the children in our community by donating money for Santa Claus Girls. This organization collects money in order to buy presents for kids of twelve years and younger in Kent County who would otherwise not receive gifts this Christmas.

Santa Claus Girls was founded over a century ago right here in Grand Rapids and has been making sure kids don’t go without presents on Christmas morning. Not only do they provide gifts for the children, but they are also providing them with hat and mittens for the winter. “Living in East Grand Rapids most of us live very fortunate lives, putting us in the perfect situation to help those less privileged,” Sophie Hooker ‘17, Vice President of the Latin Club said. “The holidays are a time for giving and being around people you love. It’s about spreading hope. Giving back is an awesome way to help others and give them a better holiday!” Hook-

er said.

Along with Latin Club, the Key Club is also taking part in philanthropy this holiday season.

This year is particularly special because the Key Club will be participating in not one but two acts of kindness. The first one is something that the club does every year which is a gift wrapping station

come homeowners through their day center as well as congregations around Grand Rapids. “When we reached out to them asking what they were in need of this holiday season they told us that many people don’t have blankets while they are living in temporary homes,” Margaret Sheridan ‘17, secretary of the Key Club said. “Key Club has decided to fulfill this need in order to make their holiday season a little better!”

Our school also gives everyone an opportunity to participate in giving back by doing the food drive. Every year student council assigns a family in need to a each classroom in order to give these families food that they wouldn’t be able to buy on their own. “The drive is a great way to give back to the community because we can directly see the effects of donating the food,” Kate O’Connell ‘18, Vice President of the junior class said. The members of student council will then be delivering the food collected to the families houses on Saturday, Dec. 10th. “It is so inspiring to see how happy the families are PHOTO BY HALLEY ELLIOTT ‘20 when we knock on their door that is set up at Woodland Mall. Shoppers can pay and give them such a simple gift,” O’Connell said. to have their gifts wrapped by members of the Key The food drive allows us to understand that not evClub and the money they collect will go to a charity eryone is as fortunate as we are and and by doing of the clubs choice. The club is also partaking in these simple acts of kindness could change somesomething they have never done before, work with one’s life. a non-profit called Family Promise. Family Prom- Carrying out acts of philanthropy is always ise is an organization that puts an emphasis on a great way to give back to your community and helping homeless and impoverished families be- during this time of year it can make someone’s day.

Trump appoints Betsy DeVos President Obama’s Two Terms

By Hannah Stuursma ’18

STAFF WRITER As President- Elect Donald Trump begins to get comfortable in the position of leadership, the choices for his cabinet have begun. Trump chose Betsy DeVos of Western Michigan as the Secretary of Education.

Betsy DeVos is a long time Michigan resident. She grew up in Holland, Michigan and attended Calvin College. She became very politically active in the Republican party.

Betsy DeVos has been a large advocate for charter schools and private schools. Betsy and the DeVos Family have donated millions of dollars to the privatization of schools. The DeVos family has been the largest financial backer of the privatization efforts. Their goal is to move students away from the country’s so called “failing public schools”.

DeVos started a voucher program in the form of taxpayer money. These vouchers help families send their children to private schools.

Many people fear that Betsy DeVos’s policies will drastically hurt our public schools system. Teachers, specifically, are worried about the public schools.

“I do not believe she is qualified for the position as the education secretary because of her background.

She has never spent time in a classroom. She had a degree in business and politics,” Chemistry teacher Heather Carlson said.

Betsy DeVos has made her focus point the lower class families who live

By Asha Lewis ’18 in areas with bad school districts. She is attempting to stop the cycle of poverty and help children receive a better education.

Some people are not worried or unaware about the policies Betsy DeVos wants to put in place.

“This is my last year in a public high school so I don’t think I will be affected by Betsy DeVos. But, I think she might be a threat to a lot of public schools around the country just

STAFF WRITER Barack Obama’s presidency is rapidly coming to a close and many are looking forward to the future with a range of emotions. Like any president, Obama was met with praises and criticism, but now that he must pass down his power as Chief Executive to President-elect Donald Trump, many are reminiscing over the nobility and grace that the Obamas displayed during the eight years they inhabited the White

because she has a lot of history with the private schools,” Jazzy Dianpour ‘17 said.

Along with Trump’s appointment for secretary of education, Trump has appointed: Elaine Chao for Secretary of Transportation, Tom Price for Department of Health and Human Services, Wilbur Ross for Department of Commerce, Dr. Ben Carson for Department of Housing and Urban Development, and James Mattis for Department of Defense.

House.

Obama has done more than his presidential duties while in the White House. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples” in 2009. He has two Grammy Awards for his narration in the spoken word albums “Dreams from My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope.” Some of his greatest achievements in office in-

PHOTO COURTESY DREW BREMER

cluded re-establishing relations with Cuba and assisting in the CIA directed Operation Neptune’s spear that killed Osama Bin Laden.

When entering office, President Obama made it his goal to improve the economy. When Obama entered the White House, he was met with a crippling financial crisis. Since 2009, Obama has decreased the unemployment rate by 0.05% monthly, on average. Our country, under his instruction, has experienced an average of 2% annual GDP growth and has led to the economy finally regaining “solid footing” according to the Wall Street Journal. His approval ratings have fluctuated between 40%-60% throughout the years, peaking in 2009 at a whopping 65.5%, and has recently held an approval rating in the high 50 percents.

This last year of his presidency has turned into his last few months, weeks, and soon, days. Some of his remaining tasks on his to-do list include closing Guantanamo Bay, passing the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement, and signing a criminal justice law reform bill.

All in all, President Barack Obama will be remembered for being the first black president among his many other political accomplishments. His legacy will continue on once he steps foot out of the White House, and all we can do now is look to the future optimistically.

Big Names in GR Snoop Dogg visits Van Andel

By Ella Gourley ‘18 STAFF WRITER With nineteen albums and seventeen Grammy nominations Snoop Dogg is certainly a legend in the rap world. Even with music trends constantly changing, Snoop Dogg continues to provide the music industry with songs that remain timeless. Over countless years and phases, including Snoop Lion, Snoop Dogg has been an influential artist capable of drawing fans from all generations. Now Grand Rapids has the privilege of hosting this rap legend as he is scheduled to perform at Van Andel Arena on Dec. 20th.

As one of the many stops along his Puff Puff Pass Tour, Snoop Dogg will visit Grand Rapids for the first time in almost five years. Many people are excited for this chance to see Snoop Dogg who continues to be an influential artist for fans of all generations.

“I think he is still popular today because he has been a factor of hip-hop music for so long,” Luciano Amato ´17 said, “I know parents who enjoy his music and have been fans since day one.”

From the beginning of Snoop Dogg´s long career, he was able to captivate a large demographic of supporters who have continued to support him. With early success Snoop Dogg was able to stand out compared to other artists in his genre and quickly gain name recognition across the music industry.

“Snoop dynamically changed the game and spoke to the youth as he dropped his first album ‘Over the Counter’,” Anja Naski ´17 said.

With several old songs and new songs that have been chart toppers, Snoop Dogg will have a stellar set list at the concert which will not leave the audience disappointed.

“I saw him in Lansing a while ago and it was a great concert. This time around, I would assume the same,” Amato said. “He plays hit after hit and just really captivates his crowd.”

Grand Rapids has the chance to see Snoop Dogg live, and many will seize this exciting opportunity.

Fans do not want to miss the chance to hear the popular songs of Snoop Dogg, and they simply want to go to the concert like Naski said, “because he is an OG gangster.”

Top albums from this past year Recap of the top music published during 2016

By Hallie Butterer ‘17 STAFF WRITER

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” 2016 has not been the best year; stressful elections, terrorism, and current issues have consumed the news and minds of the people; however, this year has given us some amazing music. Music fanatics know that several new albums have dropped in 2016, with even more to come in 2017. A handful of rap and pop albums have especially captured my attention, as well as the majority of young listeners. I have put together a list of the best albums of 2016 below.

To start off, the mixtape Coloring Book by the Chicago native, Chance The Rapper, dropped, and longstanding fans will know this is the artist’s third mixtape.

Coloring Book is similar to his older mixtapes, 10 Day and Acid Rap, featuring funky hip hop and gospel rap tunes. Other artists such as Kanye West and Justin Bieber are featured on the album, as well as the Chicago Children’s Choir on his more gospel oriented songs.

Taking a different route, rapper Kendrick Lamar released the album Untitled Unmastered, a collection of his unfinished, unretouched, and untitled songs.

These unmastered songs were demos and ideas from his previous album, To Pimp A Butterfly.

The style is a mix of jazz, funk, and hip hop songs which touch on relevant political and psychologi-

cal themes.

Ariana Grande released her pop album Dangerous Woman, which contains popular songs such as “Side to Side” or “Dangerous Woman.” The album features other famous artists such as Nicki Minaj and is a collection of fun dance tunes.

Kanye West released his fa-

and hip hop styles with musical features Chance The Rapper, Rihanna, and Frank Ocean.

Singer Frank Ocean shook us when he finally released his much anticipated album Blonde after a long musically silent period in between his previous album Channel Orange in 2012. Frank Ocean also dropped another project

GRAPHIC BY GRAHAM YOUNG ‘17

mous album The Life of Pablo this year as well. The rapper toured here in Grand Rapids in September, performing many songs from this album on a hanging, moving stage. The controversial music video of “Famous” has been scrutinized and viewed by millions.

The album features a combination of gospel, electronic, pop,

called Endless. Blonde features laid back, relaxing tunes with lots of singing and expression of feelings.

Popular artist, Rihanna, dropped her Anti album as well, a collection of empowering and catchy Caribbean influenced music and R&B tunes. The Barbados born singer has been popular

since the 2000s and is still going strong with hits such as “Needed Me” or “Work.”

The Divine Feminine, an album by rapper Mac Miller, is a slight change of pace from his previous works, revolving more around singing rather than rapping. This album features slower romantic love songs exploring the theme of relationships, with piano and trumpet highlights.

Beyonce dropped yet another great album, Lemonade, which explores her feelings about her relationship with husband, Jay Z. The whole album is technically one giant piece, accompanied by a long visual interpretation of the song(s).

A$AP Mob members have featured on each other’s songs and individual albums, but never created a joint album. Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends is the group’s debut collective album, a semitribute to the group’s late founder, A$AP Yams. All members of the Mob are featured, including A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, and A$AP Twelvyy.

Overall, 2016 has been a fantastic year in music, and even more artists have recently dropped albums, such as Childish Gambino’s Awaken, My Love! and The Weeknd’s Starboy. J. Cole’s newest album drops Dec. 9, Kid Cudi’s album drops Dec. 16, and Drake’s album is rumored to drop soon as well.

EGR Students dancing their way into the holiday season

By Ashley Ward ‘18 STAFF WRITER

As the countdown to the Holidays begins, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company is bringing Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to life.

The Grand Rapids Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker is a classic tradition put on each holiday season by the company. The performance will be taking place at Devos Performance Hall on Dec. 9-11 and 16-18, 2016.

“

I am really excited because I love performing and the performance gets everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Charlie Pietryga ‘18

”

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company, Michigan’s only professional ballet company, was founded in 1971,

and is celebrating their 43rd season on ballet. Today, the company contains 24 professional dancer from across the world, and regularly brings artistic excellence to the Grand Rapids community.

The Nutcracker tells the story of the Stahlbaum family on Christmas Eve. Clara Stahlbaum receives a nutcracker for Christmas, and falls asleep with it in her arms. As the clock strikes midnight, the Nutcracker comes to life and Clara finds herself in the midst of a battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Clara saves the Nutcracker from the Mouse King, which transforms him into a Prince. The prince then takes Clara on a journey, where she is rewarded for her bravery with celebratory dances.

“This year, I am a rifle soldier, mother mouse, and Chinese dragon. I am really excited because I love performing and the performance gets

PHOTO COURTESY of Charlie Pietryga ‘18

everyone in the Christmas spirit. The atmosphere of is very festive which makes it really enjoyable!” Charlie Pietryga ‘18 said.

Charlie is joined by 3 more EGRHS students, Becca Sholler ‘18, Lily Pietryga ‘20, and Ella Goulet ‘20.

The Nutcracker is not the only Holiday ballet performance EGRHS students are performing in this season.

Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble, Care, Ballet put on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on November 25-27 at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center. The performance is based on Clement C. Moore’s poem, and tells the story of a family on Christmas Eve. Each scene of the performance is a rendition of a line in Moore’s poem. Throughout the performance, elves and reindeer help santa successfully deliver his toys. The production ends with Santa

Claus leaving the family’s house after delivering them their presents, and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Care ballet is currently in their 24th season of bringing ballet to the Grand Rapids community, and providing young dancers performance opportunities. They perform three public performances each season, including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Their ensemble contains 22 dancer, 10 of whom are East Grand Rapids High School students.

“Care puts on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas every year, and it’s always really fun because it gets everyone excited for the Holidays” Claire Montague ‘18 said. “This is my eighth year being in the performance, and this year I am a Marionette.”

Between dancing toys, a Nutcracker and santa, East Grand Rapids High School students are bringing the Holiday spirit to life this season.

East Alum reaches Keep it simple this Christmas Broadway, gives hope Underrated gifts for the holiday season

By Ben Sagritalo ‘18

By Asha Lewis ‘18 STAFF WRITER The Drama Club is one the most popular clubs STAFF WRITER at East Grand Rapids High School, with over 300 As the holiday season grows students participating in at least one performance closer, the sounds of Christmas annually. But for many of these students, their par- music, the views of twinkly Christticipation in the Drama Club is merely a hobby. mas lights draped around porches, However, East Alum and former Drama Club and the feeling frigid snowfalls have member Joe Carroll ‘08 took his hobby to the next become much more prominent in level, and now is an actor on Broadway. the past couple weeks. Another tra Joe Carroll, who graduated from East dition associated with the pleasant Grand Rapids High School in 2008, has recently Christmastime atmosphere is the performed in many Broadway plays including exchange of gifts among family and Cinderella. While performing in Cinderella, Car- friends. If you’re anything like the roll had the opportunity with several well known majority of all teenagers, what little actors, including Keke Palmer and singer Carly source of income you have from Rae Jepsen. your job or your parents does not Carroll is now performing in the new musi- suffice in order to express your love cal Bandstand as Johnny Simpson. First released and gratitude for every single one at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse in October your loved ones you want to shower 2015, it will soon premiere on Broadway on April with gifts. Fear not, for the best gifts, 26, 2017. come in the smallest of packages, Bandstand follows a group of World War II and it’s truly the thought that counts. veterans that returned to their hometown, Cleve- You may want to new iPhone 7 or a land, Ohio. new Xbox, but you most likely need With many members of the East Grand something more practical such as: Rapids Drama Program wanting to pursue a career in performing arts, Joe Carroll serves as both an inspiration and a example for the students.

“People like Joe Carroll are really inspiring because I want to perform on Broadway” Paige Lang ‘18 said. “Seeing someone with a background similar to mine accomplishing it themselves gives me hope I can achieve my dreams.”

In order to achieve her Broadway hopes, Lang has taken up a rigorous schedule of performing arts activities. In addition to her activities in the Drama Club, Lang is involved in several activities outside of school.

“If you want to be involved in theatre professionally and in college, Drama Club isn’t enough.”

Lang said. “I take voice lessons, have started dancing at Grand Rapids Ballet, and I’m acting at the Civic Theatre’s performance of Beauty in the Beast.”

The college application process for performing Water Bottle: If all else fails, arts students is significantly different than for most a nice Nalgene water bottle always other college applicants. “I plan to apply for BFA makes a great gift, while also pro(Bachelors of Fine Arts programs) at many schools, moting the importance of staying with the auditions fall of my senior year.” Lang hydrated! Many of our students at said. It’s pretty different than the normal applicaEast participate in winter sports, so a tion process.” water bottle would definitely be put to Joe Carroll has been the major success story of good use. This gift starts at $9.99 on EGRHS Drama. His accomplishments on BroadAmazon. way give hope to Drama Club members across East.

“Arrival” pushes space movie boundaries

By Alexi Adamopoulos ‘19 STAFF WRITER On November 11, 2016, one of the most anticipated movies of the year hit theaters, and saying it was a success would be an understatement.

Getting an astonishing 93% on the notoriously harsh Rotten Tomatoes, the alien film was popular among the public and critics. It is a very original approach to an alien movie. No big heads, trying to take over the earth, or stereotypical alien blabber. Instead, these aliens land in a number of spots around the earth and stay there quietly. The government contacts Louise Banks, a language professor to try and communicate with them and understand what they are doing on earth. It also features the concept of non-linear time.

While the movie is about aliens, one of the concepts of the movie is non-linear time, which just adds to the interest to the movie and creates the confusing, intricate plot layers the famed “Inception” was so highly acclaimed for.

“Arrival” has been by far my favorite movie of 2016, and many others would agree with me.

The two biggest characters in the movie, Amy Adams ,who stars as Professor Louise Banks, and Jeremy Renner, who plays Professor Ian Donnelly, have both starred in movies together before.

Most notably, the 2013 crime hit American Hustle, and they have both starred in other huge films like “Superman” and “The Avengers”. The movie was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who is a relatively unknown director, but this movie has been seen as his major breakthrough. “Arrival” was shown at many national film festivals, which also created its popularity among the indie film community.

This just added to its popularity, now that it is so huge to the normal public and the indie film fans. Zoe Zawacki, ‘18 saw the movie and loved it. “I thought it was really good. I went thinking it would be kind of weird because it is about aliens but it was actually really cool and had a crazy plot twist at the end.” She also added that it was one of the best movies she’d seen in 2016.

PHOTOS BY KEATON SMITH ‘17

Headphones: If you’re not one who believes that “the only way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” headphones are always a viable option for anything from a Secret Santa to a gift exchange among family members.

It seems as though every six months or so, headphones suddenly disappear and we’re left earbudless. Or, if you’re too lazy to untangle them, just get a new pair! The most inexpensive pair starts at $9.45 on Amazon.

A New Charger: Without a phone charger, you don’t have a phone, or at least you don’t when your battery runs out, and everyone hates that one person that is always asking to use their charger. Even if you already have one, it’s always reassuring to have an extra one in your backpack, car or pocket in case of emergency.

Plus, there are so many different types, from chargers with twinkly lights attached to chargers with 10 foot long chords in case the outlet is too far away. iPhone chargers are priced at $9.99 on Amazon.

Mug: There is nothing better than curling up next to a fireplace, wearing your recently Socks: It seems as though the latest winter gifted fuzzy socks and a mug of hot cocoa. trend is wearing your puffy winter coat inside, Especially a festive, Christmas-themed mug at least that’s what it seems like at our school that adds a little more Christmas spirit to the nowadays. It really raises the question of what experience.

Your friends will thank you for our tax dollars are going towards while we’re this inexpensive, thoughtful and festive gift. shivering in Spanish class. One way to stay Mugs last longer and may even be around for warm is to keep your feet warm, which is why next Christmas!

These mugs start at $5.99 on fuzzy socks are a must-have during the cold, Amazon. winter months. They make a great, inexpensive, yet thoughtful gift. For basic fuzzy socks, prices start at $7.95 on Amazon.

East’s favorite Christmas media

A survey of EGRHS students’ top festive songs and movies

MUSIC

MOVIES

#1: All I Want For Christmas Is You

#1: Elf

#2: Polar Express

#2:Sleigh Ride #3: It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas #4: Jingle Bell Rock

#3: Home Alone #4: How The Grinch Stole Christmas #5: Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

#5: Let It Snow!

GRAPHIC BY DYLAN SCHWARTZ ‘17

By Pierce Ruppert ‘17 STAFF WRITER

‘18 in

the tree

pose

freshman year in gym class when Mr. Tompkins introduces them to the basics of yoga.

Outside of yoga classes, yoga club, and gym class, sports teams such as the hockey team and golf team have often used yoga as a tool for conditioning their bodies. Senior Tommy Alkema ‘17 of the hockey team explains that yoga is extremely beneficial for him and his teammates in a physical and mental sense. The positions that they practice allow for their muscles to strengthen, and their minds to become rejuvenated.

Yoga is an activity for everyone.

Whether you’re trying to obtain physical or spiritual effects or even both, one should definitely consider finding a place for yoga in their lives. In order to get involved at school, make sure to talk to Emma Keane ‘17, the current yoga club leader!

Keane says, “there’s a spot for everyone!”

ackson

the da

ncer p

and spiritual sense.

Yoga has become a major interest amongst our students at East. While asking students “What does yoga do for you?”, many different answers were given. The students of East all find various reasons for partaking in yoga.

Grace Lee ‘19, whose mom often teaches yoga at the high school, has been an avid individual when it comes to practicing yoga. “Yoga has supplied me with a physical, as well as mental cleans- ing.

I attend at least one yoga class a week at either the Funky Buddha or Hot Yoga.

I frequently do yoga at these places because they both provide me with a connection between the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga infused with healthy doses of fun. Yoga also allows me an escape to forget the stresses of my daily life.”

While Grace has discovered the benefits of

yoga on a physical and spiritual level, for many individuals yoga is just a “destresser”. Thomas Mack ‘17 and Lauren Vanderzyden ‘17 talk about how yoga offers them the ability to relax for an extended period of time and forget about the stresses of daily life as a student.

Kate O’Connell ‘18 not only agrees with Thomas and Lauren but finds yoga to be a time to socialize and hang out with friends. Kate often attends yoga club at East, as she finds it energizing to practice yoga with her friends each Tuesday night.

Audrey Whiteside ‘19 says, “I love yoga because it’s a great way for me to become more flexible!”

Flexibility allows athletes such as Whiteside to perform their sport at a higher level as their bodies feel better. Many EGR students discover the benefits of flexibility

Sarah M

ose

In 2013, Katie Keane created Yoga Club at our school. For many students of East Grand Rapids, they were introduced to a new form of exercise that displayed positive effects for them in a physical, mental,

‘17 in

tried doing random acts of kindness everyday. I FOCUS EDITOR thought since it was December and right before the holidays, I would participate in the “spirit of giving”. I thought it would be a great chance for me to get into the Christmas spirit before holiday break and before there was snow on the ground. This is my favorite time of the year, and it was a great opportunity to make it even more meaningful by touching someone new everyday.

Honestly, I’m disappointed in myself. My random acts of kindness seemed to be a last-minute thought every night. I asked myself “what did I do today that could be considered my act of kindness” or I was scrambling to do something before I went to bed. I even forgot to something on multiple days. It was disgraceful.

I was able to do some nice things.

I helped my mom, spent time with my grandma, donated money on #GivingTuesday, and called my other grandparents. Those actions felt good, but they still lacked meaningfulness. I lacked pride and accomplishment in my actions. I feel nothing like Trevor McKinney from the movie Pay It Forward. I couldn’t have made that much of a difference in these people’s days.

I’m trying to stay optimistic by assuming that I’m wrong. My actions probably meant more to some people than I think. Unfortunately, I don’t really know, so I’m going to use my shame to encourage you all to reach out during this holiday season.

I’m disappointed that I was ultimately too busy or inconsiderate to do more acts of kindness. And I think most of you have probably felt the same way at one point. Everyone’s busy this time of the year: hosting families, traveling, shopping for gifts. Giving the mall Salvation Army Santa a dollar IS NOT ENOUGH. I failed in my eyes. I didn’t do enough. I let school and my other activities get in the way of spreading holiday cheer and hope. I didn’t slow down. I didn’t pause my movie to shovel an elderly neighbor’s walkway. I failed. But I refuse to quit my thoughtful gestures.

I will continue my random acts of kindness, and make them bigger, more meaningful. I encourage you all to do the same. Students, that this break as a chance to help others, reach out to people, impact someone’s life, or at least brighten their day. Adults, consider doing the same. Involve your family, anyone you can. Spread the holiday cheer.

Pay it forward.

Grace Ruppert ‘17

Finding Peace In the New

Dayto n

Random Acts of Kindness This month I

Anna

Grace is Trying...

Zoe Zawacki ‘18 in the lotus pose

Yoga Hotspots Around Grand Rapids

By Grace Brooks ‘18 STAFF WRITER

Funky Buddha Yoga Hot House

PHOTO COURTESY ELLIE DRAKE

Ellie Drake ‘17 doing a handstand at Funky Buddha Yoga

Seva Yoga

B Meditation Studio

PHOTO COURTESY SEVA YOGA

PHOTO COURTESY MAGGIE VETTER

Streetview of Seva Yoga

Maggie Vetter ‘19 doing yoga at B Meditation Studio

Seva Yoga is conveniently located in gaslight village. Also conveniently located in gaslight is B meditation This hot yoga studio, located in Eastown, has a They offer authentic yoga and “you’ll find a bright, studio. This new meditation center provides medvariety of classes that are all held in a 95 degree warm space designed to bring harmony between itation classes for every level;evening meditation studio. They have different classes for all levels: classes are tuesdays and thursdays at 7:30 and teen absolute beginner power flow, slow flow, and power body and mind”(sevayoga.net). They have many flow with musics are a few of the many classes they different types of classes, so there is a class that suits meditation is offered on sundays also at 7:30. Medihave. What better way to spend your holidays than everybody. Whether you enjoy energizing and upbeat tation provides many benefits such as relieving anxclasses or slower relaxed classes they have it all. iety,reducing stress, and helping you sleep better. channeling your inner Funky Buddha?!

EYE ON

Mannequin Challenge

EAST What’s trending in EGR?

The Mannequin Challenge is a social media trend where groups of people freeze in a pose and play the song “Black Beetles” by Rae Sremmurd featuring Gucci Mane. Groups of students around the school have particated in this challenge such as the We the People Class and Madame Ibara’s French Class.

Madame Ibara, Sarah Thong ‘17, and Tyler Roberts doing the mannequin challenge during their French

Five Things You Didn’t Know About..

Mr. Vandenbrink

The road to holiday traditions

By Alexi Adamopoulos ’19 STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY BEN SAGRITALO ‘16

1. I have taught and lived in Honduras and Spain.

2. I never had a serious injury playing sports growing up, and then I broke my hand the first year I was a coach.

3. Although I attended the University of Michigan, both my parents are graduates of Michigan State.

4. I once dressed up as a pirate for a parade I wasn’t invited too.

5. My brithday (June 6) falls on D-Day(1994) and my half birthday is the day before Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) so I was destined to be a History Teacher.

Michael Gagin ‘18

PHOTO BY BEN SAGRITALO ‘17

1.Russian is my first language.

2. I love to go rock climbing.

3.I am the Vice President of French club.

4. I have only left the U.S. once.

5. I am super flexible.

Emma Battle ‘19

Everyone who lives in East Grand Rapids knows the tradition of Luminaries. Luminaries are small bags that are filled with lit candles and sand, which makes them give off a holiday glow. They line some of the streets around EGR, and are quickly expanding. This tradition began on Maplewood Drive 68 years ago, and many of the connected streets decided to join in and help spread the holiday cheer. The bags are lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and stay lit through the night. Peo-

ple come from all parts of Grand Rapids, and even farther to see the holiday themed streets.

The tradition began when a family moved from Iowa to Grand Rapids following World War II. They had this idea because the family previously lived on a street who did a similar thing to celebrate a Mexican Christmas Tradition. The family ran it by their neighbors, and they all came together to start it. It started out small; a few bags scattered on a relatively untravelled road, but then blew up into a

beautiful holiday scene spreading from Breton Road, all the way to Ridgewood Avenue.

Today, the tradition is lead by Mike Lundquist, an EGR resident.

He is in charge of the whole production, but he has ‘street captains’ on every street that participates.

Some of these street captains include Marcus Haulenbeek & Geoff Laham. They receive the materials from Mr. Lundquist, and distribute them to everyone on their block who wants to participate. It costs $10 to get the materials, and

you have to set them out on your own on Christmas Eve. Maplewood resident Christine Smith talked about the bags, saying “It is a nice way for people to get together on the holidays, and makes the street very pretty, of course. I’ve been on Maplewood for a long time and there have been some very nice memories putting them up, and then looking at them after we are finished on Christmas Eve, it’s really beautiful. Mr. Lundquist has done a fantastic job over the years of organizing it

All aboard! Celebrating the Holidays around the globe

By GRACE BROOKS ’17 STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ANNA DATON ‘17

1. I love to swim.

2. My favorite food is pineapple.

3. I ski for fun.

4. I’m on the Cross Country team.

5. My favorite season is summer.

Sloane Teske‘19

PHOTO BY ANNA DAYTON ‘17

1.I am an only child.

2. My favorite food is biscuits and gravy.

3. I play tennis.

4. I have never broken a bone.

5. I have never been to Canada.

Léa Schmitt ‘18 stops over her holiday break is Argentina. She will be going to Buenos Aires for a few days and then Patagonia. After that she will spend time in Santiago, Chile.

These destinations are a change for Schmitt and her family.

“We usually go to Europe for Christmas, but my parents wanted to discover something new so they picked South America,” Schmitt said.

The incredible geographical features of South America bring many opportunities. “In Patagonia, I’ll be hiking on glaciers and mountains and in Santiago and Buenos Aires I’ll probably be just walking around and discovering the cities and cultures,” Schmitt said.

Victoria and Peter Kratt ‘18 will be spending her holiday break on a week long cruise with her family. The caribbean cruise will be stopping at incredible destinations such as Puerto Rico, Haiti, and Saint Martin. This is not the first time Kratt has been on a cruise for Christmas. “Since I already have been on a cruise for my grandparents 50th anniversary during Christmas 5 years ago, it doesn’t really effect me,” Kratt said.

Ziplining and swimming are just few of the many activities she will be enjoying with her cousins as they celebrate their grandparents anniversary. “I’m super excited to be with my family and with my grandparents for their 55th anniversary,” Kratt said.

Alexi Adamopoulos ‘19 will be spending time in Greece for his holiday break. He is going to Thessaloniki, where he will be living next year. “I’m going for three weeks. I’m touring my school that I’ll be attending next year,” Adamopoulos said. “Thessaloniki is decorated very cool for Christmas. They decorate the old castles that are on the mountains and it looks very nice.”

Adamopoulos will also be going to the mountains in Pelion and he will be skiing for the first time there. Also, he will be visiting his friends and family. “I’m excited to see everyone again because I haven’t seen them since the summer,” Adamopoulos said.

Isha Nigam ‘17 is currently in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India for her holiday break. “I am here right now because two of my cousins, one on my mom’s side and the other on my dad’s, are getting married!” Nigam said. “My brother and I have the duty to act as their [Nigam’s parents] representative in both the weddings. A lot of the ceremonies here include the active participation of the aunt and uncle but we have to do it!”

This is her first time in India, so she gets to meet her family from India for the first time. Also, she gets to explore the city!

“A lot of the activities include visiting the schools my parents attended while they lived here, sightseeing, and of course getting ready for the weddings!” Nigam said.

PHOTO COURTESY NIKO ADAMOPOULOS

What Nora Knows...

about families clashing

too, it’s not easy work to make this process all run smoothly, so thank you to him.” Local KDL Librarian and East Grand Rapids veteran Mary Dersch added, “It is so beautiful really, we would always have dinner at my husband’s parents house and then drive down ‘the woods’ and look at the bags.

Of course my kids always wanted to go home, but we’ve always enjoyed it for the last 30 years.”

These luminary bags aren’t the only tradition in East though, for the last 25 years, the holiday train in Breton Village Mall has entertained kids and added extra holiday spirit to East.

According to the builders of the set, it takes over 100 hours to complete per

As we have finally reached “the most wonderful time of the year”, brothers and sisters Nora Verdier and uncles and ‘19 cousins are joining together to celebrate the holidays. We imagine smiles and warmth as shown in Hallmark Christmas movies, but in reality, it is not a picture-perfect scene. Of course there is love, but when families come together in one confined space, we better brace ourselves, for it can turn into a war zone that we are all too familiar with.

I must admit that the holidays are never a bore for me due to the uniqueness of my family. I have two older brothers and one sister that are all in their mid to late twenties - older than most would expect. They live in different parts of the U.S., so when we all come together for the holidays, it’s quite a change from our usual, quiet-paced life.

For the most part, I love it. We get to decorate the Christmas tree, watch South Park together, and fill in the deep void of each other’s company. However, there is another side to our lovely festivities, and that is the side of craziness. We get on each other’s nerves and bicker amongst ourselves over the smallest of things, such as a snide remark that can easily be avoided yet is stubbornly voiced instead. And these intrusive statements slowly crescendo to a dramatic meltdown that leaves us all shaking our heads, soaked in the absence of maturity. Like I said - a war zone.

Now yes, I believe my family to be absolutely insane, but I believe that every family is, in their own particular way. We all love each other, but in a more pessimistic viewpoint, we can really agitate each other too.

year. It continues to grow every year, now featuring scenery from pop culture and also kids shows. Now to entertain kids even further, games and activities have been added around the base of the tracks. Unfortunately, due to the de-malling of Breton Village, it has been speculated that the tradition is in his final year.

Activites and venues to visit over the Holidays in Grand Rapids

By Caroline Pursley ‘18 STAFF WRITER

Christmas Light ShowFifth Third Ballpark

PHOTO COURTESY LILY MUNDELL ‘17

Nothing puts us all in the Christmas spirit more than when we see all of the bright decorations that light up our city. 5/3rd Ballpark is home of the Whitecaps, but during the winter it is the site for Michigan’s largest Christmas lite show.

The show uses millions of lights, over 40 animated displays, lighted tunnels and even more all stretching about two miles. Until January 1st there is a nightly drive thru from 6-9pm with a cost of $17.00 per car. The Christmas Lite Show has been a tradition for hundreds of people in the Grand Rapids area and even beyond. This year marks the shows 20th anniversary and in honor of that there will be many new additions made.

Make sure to go and see the best Christmas decorations that Grand Rapids has to offer.

Ice SkatingRosa Parks Circle

PHOTO BY SOPHIE ACKERMAN ‘18

If you and your friends find yourself bored over the Christmas break, a fun activity you can do is go ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle.

Rosa Parks is open on Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-9:45pm but on Sundays it starts at 11:00am. You are welcome to bring your own skates, but skate rental is included with general admission. For adults, ages 18 and up, ice fees are $2.00 and $1.00 for youth, ages 17 and under. Parking on the street near the rink is limited, but there are many parking lots within close range of the rink. Rosa Park Circle is a great place for you and your friends to hang out over break and laugh at each others ice skating

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the WorldFrederick Meijer Gardens

PHOTO BY GRACE RUPPERT ‘17

The annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibit is back at Frederick Meijer Gardens and is a great way to spend your holiday break. Frederik Meijer Gardens has chosen to honor the holiday traditions of more than 40 countries around the world by decorating christmas trees each specified for a certain country. Each tree will be designated to a country by having decorations that the country is famous for. On top of that Meijer Gardens is decorated with over 400,000 lights, strolling carolers and rooftop reindeer. These displays are open until 9 from December 19-30. It will not be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas, but there is plenty of time for you and your friends and family to go celebrate Christmas.

The Nutcracker GR BalletDeVos Performance Hall

PHOTO COURTESY CLARA GOULET ‘20

On December 16-18 the ballet, The Nutcracker, will be returning to DeVos Performance Hall.

This production, put on by the Grand Rapids Ballet, is a great way for you and your family to get into the holiday spirit. The music behind the ballet will be done by the grammy nominated Grand Rapids Symphony, so it sure to be an amazing performance. Tickets are on sale now and range in prices but can be bought online or at the box office. The Nutcracker is particularly special this year as the school’s very own Ella Goulet ‘20 will have the star role as Clara. It will be a performance you won’t want to miss, so make sure to go out and support our fellow classmate.

Hubs choices for college the football playoffs.

By Hub Hejna ‘17 STAFF WRITTER

1: As the champions of the SEC conference and the only remaining unbeaten team in college football’s top ten, Alabama is the nation’s undisputed number one. The Crimson Tide’s closest game came in the form of a five-point victory over in-conference opponent Ole Miss, but the Tide have not faltered in the slightest since then. With eight players on the ESPN.com All-SEC team and the SEC Player of the Year in freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Tide are without question this year’s National Championship favorites.

2: The case for the Clemson Tigers The Clemson Tigers have had 4 top 25 wins this season. Auburn, Louisville, Florida State, and Virginia Tech all fell to Clemson. Their game against Auburn displays their non-conference schedule as a strong one. Deshaun Watson may be the best player in the country and he’s created an unstoppable Clemson offense these last few weeks. Clemson is placed in the top 15 for points for and against. Their one loss was due to a last-second field goal against a solid Pittsburg team. They won the ACC Conference with one of the deepest rosters in the nation. They should be a tough team to beat in the playoff and deserve their ranking of number 2.

3: Ohio State has earned the number three spot on our list, just behind Clemson. Under the leadership of Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes have posted wins over Big Ten opponents Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as Oklahoma. Their one loss came from Penn State, a game that was played away at night. The Nittany Lions went on to win the Big Ten conference, proving that this loss was a good one for Ohio State. In an increasingly competitive Big Ten conference, any team that survives a regular season schedule with only one loss is one worthy of consideration, and Ohio State fits that mold perfectly.

4: The case for the Michigan Wolverines: While maybe not the most deserving team to make the playoff, big blue is a clear top four team. One could make the case that Michigan has the best defense in the nation, especially after shutting down an electrifying Ohio State offense. They’re the second best points against team in the nation with 12.5 points per game. We get it, they had two losses. They’re loss to Iowa was by far a better loss than what Clemson and Washington obtained that same weekend. A night game at Iowa… that’s not an easy task and they lost in the final seconds. Secondly, they took Ohio State to two overtimes at Buckeye Stadium. They beat Colorado, Wisconsin, and Penn State. All three of these teams are in the top 10. They may not deserve to be in, but they’re freakishly good.

ELLIE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LIFE LONG FAN OF HEATH LEDGER, SHE BELIEVES THAT HE WILL RESURRECT FROM THE DEAD, AND MEET HER UNDER THE MISTLETOE.

Star athlete thrives even with medical conditions

By Niki Ezeh ‘17 STAFF WRITTER

makes me really tired in general and prevents me from running as fast as I normally would be able to.” McCahill ‘17 said. McCahill doesn’t let this deficiency bring her down. She has been on the state

sports, McCahill takes a lot of iron supplements and frequently get her iron checked. She has adapted to this new condition by learning to balance getting faster and staying in shape without training too

Whether it’s cross country, basketball, or lacrosse, Maddie McCahill ‘17 is always active in a varsity sport.

That’s a lot of practice.

McCahill has done three sports her whole high school career, and has excelled in all of them. This would be challenging to do for anyone, but for McCahill, it’s different.

During her junior year of cross country, McCahill went to her doctor, where she found out that she had an enzyme deficiency that makes it hard for her to absorb red blood cells and get enough iron, which causes a severe case of PHOTO PHOTOCOURTESY

BY KEATONBRUCE SMITHELDER ‘17 anemia. This affects the way that McCahill Maddie McCahill ‘17 running in her cross country meet earlier performs in her sports. this year. She was a top runner on her team, despite having a “It especially affects my ability in enzyeme deficiency. cross country because all the running, especially long distance, makes me team for cross country since her hard and losing a plethora of iron. lose a lot of iron so I slowly lose freshmen year. Trying her best not McCahill does this by sitting out of all my iron during the season. It to let it affect her performance in the less important meets and prac-

tices to maintain her best shape for the big ones.

Her transition from the cross country season to basketball was not too long ago. Coming off an amazing junior season, including receiving the title “sharp shooter” for her exquisite three point shot, McCahill is an essential piece to the girls varsity basketball team.

The five month long season can wear down your body very easily, so it is impressive that McCahill can come straight from a four month long cross country season and not miss a beat. With the help of McCahill, the team is looking for a long run into playoffs, so there will be a lot of pressure for her to maintain good health throughout this season, which is stacked with very talented teams to play against.

Instead of weakening her workload and amount of sports she participates in, McCahill found it imperative to continue playing three sports throughout her senior year, no matter how challenging it may be.

“I didn’t want to let my condition stop me from doing anything and it’s totally worth it! I’m so glad that I continue to play and I can’t imagine not being on any of the teams I am on.” McCahill ‘17 said.

EGR brings back girls bowling team this year

By Katherine Lykins ‘19 STAFF WRITTER

For the girls on the East Grand Rapids Bowling team, there is not a minute to spare. These girls, 6 in total, have come together, practicing alongside the boys team, working on both their technique and skills that will hopefully result in an increase of strikes and spares and growth of ability. Although the girls are actively working to improve their game and participating in competitions against other schools, their current objective during competitions is to cheer each other on and just have fun, keeping the sport more laid back than other competing schools.

Macie Zack ‘17 is one of the girls on the team, whose dad also coaches both girls and boys bowling at East. She gave some information about her backstory with bowling and how the team is practicing and performing, despite just starting in mid November.

“Once my dad became the coach for the bowling team, he told me there was no girls team yet, so I just decided to join. Many of my guys

friends also encouraged me to join.”

Zack ‘17 said about starting up on the team this year. To clear up any confusion about the girls and boys team Zack mentioned, “We are a separate

PHOTO BY KEATON SMITH ‘17

some teams are co-ed. During competitions, girls and boys bowl at the same time.” Macie also said some things about how the team is getting on, and some things they could do in

PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL STEERS

The 2016-2017 bowling team. For the first time in years there is boys and girls team. They both are hoping for a successful season. team. The boys bowl against other boys bowling teams while the girls bowl against other girls teams, but

PHOTO BY KASIA ROUBEL ‘13 EAST PLAYERS ARE TOUGH ON THE FIELD, BUT EVEN TOUGHER ON THE...

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS?

SWEET D’S LOVE

ing. “I think it is essential that every team is close and can get along.

Therefore, to improve as a team, we could bond and get to know eachother better, helping maintain a fun and positive environment.” As the bowling strives to ameliorate, they also keep in mind the importance of staying positive and keeping the team a comfortable place for the members, whether they be beginners or experts to the sport.

“I think we all have potential. I think an advantage we have is that because we’re all new to this sport, we don’t put as much pressure on ourselves than the other teams.”

So far, the team has had a match against the bowlers of Byron Center.

The team took the loss but were personally pleased with their performance and the outcome of the match.

As the season goes on, it’s safe to say we can expect great improvements, but, while these girls will be improving and striking to perfection, they will also be enjoying the new experiences that come with bowling.

order to gain strength as a team and how they, as both individual bowlers and teammates, have been improv-

POP CULTURE GRID FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG

WHO DO YOU WANNA MEET UNDER THE MISTLETOE

CRANK DAT

LINA THEODORSDOTTIR

SCREAMO VERSION OF CRANK DAT

HEATH LEDGER IN SPIRIT FORM

TOMMY ALKEMA ‘17 HOCKEY

A STEVE WOJOCIECHOWSKI SIGNED BASEBALL CARD

DUE TO JOSIAH’S BUSY SCHEDULE, HE HE HAS BEEN VERY SLEEP DEPRIVED. THAT IS WHY HE WANTS SANTA TO GIVE HIM A 24 HOUR NAP.

ELLIE ROUBAL ‘19 SKIING

A 24 HOUR NAP JOSIAH DURELL ‘20 SWIMMING

WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME

MAYA GAURI

The Danger of Athletics

High schoolers are the second-most injured group of people, with injuries that can affect them later in life

By Hub Hejna ‘17

STAFF WRITER In the United States, millions of student-athletes participate in sports every year. Although this is generally a positive aspect of high school, the injury risk can be high. There are certainly varying degrees of severity, but those more severe can often have long-term effects.

Here at East Grand Rapids High School athletics are valued and emphasized, and numerous varsity sports are offered. From football to bowling, many students are able to find a sport they want to participate in.

With more dangerous sports, such as football, injuries are much more common. Parker Caul ‘17, a football player and skier, has had an athletic career riddled with injuries.

Caul tore his ACL during eighth grade football only to re-tear the same ACL during freshman football. Then, as a senior, he broke his collarbone during the middle of the football season.

According to Caul, these injuries caused him to make adjustments to the sports he was participating in.

“Had I not torn my ACL I probably

By Niki Ezeh ‘17 STAFF WRITER

would still be playing basketball as opposed to now skiing. But having to miss two years of basketball I decided not to play.

Also, I chose to sit out JV year of football to be able to play on varsity.”

Furthermore, he expects this damage to affect him in the future. “I’m supposed to get arthritis in my knee by the time I’m in my mid twenties,” commented Caul.

Similarly, three-sport athlete Nick Milanowski ‘18 expects to see the effects of knee injury as his life goes on. “I had surgery on my meniscus, with this I will most likely have arthritis when I’m in my late twenties,” said Milanowski.

PHOTO BY JUSTINE BANBURY ‘17

Mary Schumar ‘19 suffered a stress fracture in her foot.

Athletic trainer Courtney VanDewege examines the injuries of students on a daily basis here at EGR. “The most common aches and pains that I see are usually muscle strains from lack of pre-season conditioning or stretching. Some of the most common injuries are ankle sprains, knee injuries and of course concussions,” said VanDewege.

Some of these aches and pains may be uncomfortable, but can often be played through.

However, this will vary by individual.

“The great thing is if someone comes in to see me, I can evalu-

ate them and as long as playing isn’t going to put them at further risk for injury, they can keep playing, while doing treatments to help the injury heal,” commented VanDewege.

An example of injuries that should not be played through are anything involving the head. “If a student has a head injury playing through it can not only make it worse, but it puts them at risk for extremely serious side effects, even death,” said VanDewege about the seriousness of concussions.

As for season-ending injuries, they are fairly rare according to Courtney. “Season ending injuries happen a lot less often than you might think. I would say roughly 2-3 a year.”

While it is unfortunate that injuries occur and can affect the future, athletics are here to stay and injuries are accepted as a possible result of participation. Athletes simply must continue to take care of themselves and participate in sports in a safe and responsible manner.

Married to the job

Boys and girls swim coach takes dedication to his job to a new level

By Kate Olsson ‘18 STAFF WRITER

There is no other coach at East Grand Rapids High School quite like swimming coach, Butch Briggs. After winning his 20th state meet this year, he has won more state championships than any other coach ever at East.

“Butch is honestly just such a great person, a great coach, he is probably the best coach that East has ever had. Without him, none of the swimmers on the team would be as good as they are,” said Alaina Murphy 18’.

Briggs’ swimmers will argue that all of the team’s success comes from his endless hard work and dedication for their team. “He really focuses on everyone as a swimmer and as a person. He really tries to get to know you and learn your strengths. He is always thinking about the team and what is best for the team,” said

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: JOHN SHELTON ‘19

Murphy 18’.

This year is Briggs’ 43rd year with the boys team and he just finished his 42nd year with the girls. “My favorite moments from coaching at East would have to be the first boys’ championship in 76, the first girls’ championship in 78, and this year’s girls’ championship meet,” said Briggs.

His devotion and love for his teams is very well noticed and appreciated by all of the swimmers. “He genuinely cares about each swimmer. At each meet he really tries to find a specific event for each person that they will do well in or drop time in,” says

Victoria Kratt 18’. Briggs is just as dedicated to and also very admired by his boy swimmers. “Swimming for Butch is really an honor. He has been with the East swimming programs for so many years so to be coached by him is awesome.

My swimming has changed significantly from what he has taught me and how he has helped me in swimming and school. I just think he is the best person and someone you definitely want to get to know,” said Christian Bart 18’.

New teams always bring new challenges each season for a sport like swimming and Briggs knows how to use that to his advantage. “He is really great at motivat-

BGS looks to end their IBL woes After an 0-16 start, BGS looks to have a rebound of a season

By Pierce Ruppert ‘17 STAFF WRITER

Two years ago, the East Grand Rapids Intramural Basketball League (IBL) landscape was changed forever. Lindsay Duca, Auden Elliot, and Grace Ruppert started the first ever girls IBL team. While there team name is “BGS”, they are known by many throughout the school as trendsetters.

BGS is group of girls from the Senior Class of 2017. They are made up of individuals who have never played basketball, played for fun, or retired from the game not long ago. Thanks to these ladies, a new girls IBL team has been created by the Junior Class of 2018. This team is known as the “Air Ballers.”

It should be noted that BGS, over a two year span, has obtained a record of 0-16. Justine Banbury, a key member of BGS, had this to say about their record, “Our record definitely doesn’t define us, those are just numbers. Our team is all about heart. No matter what the

stats say, at the end of the day it’s about who wants it more and that’s us, we are coming in hungry this year.”

Fellow member of BGS, Emma Keane, talks about the team’s biggest game this year against the new Air Ballers. “The Air Ballers are posers and we don’t see them as real competition.

We’re not taking steps this season, we’re taking leaps. BGS will reign!”

It will be interesting to see if Keane’s predictions will become a reality especially with star Auden Elliot out for the season with torn ACL. Banbury says she isn’t too worried about this loss as she expects Liz Shumar and Keane to become the new go to leaders this year.

Make sure to stay up to date on BGS and their third and final season. These girls are determined to shock the East Intramural Basketball League with their first ever win.

ing us and encouraging us to support our other teammates. Also with all of his experience, I really trust him as a coach. I always know he knows what he is doing,” said Kratt 18’. “He even has the word Swim tattooed on his ring finger because he is basically married to swimming,” says Kratt.

That time and energy he spends coaching has surely paid off with all of his championships and trophies, but he is humbly giving all of the credit to his swimmers. “Coaching success is simply a reflection on the athletes and the community, I’ve been blessed to be allowed to coach at EGR,” says Briggs. Butch Briggs will surely go down in East Grand Rapids history as one of the best coaches of all time.

PHOTO BY NIKI EZEH ‘17

NE: When did you start wrestling, how did you learn about it?

JS: “I started wrestling when I was five. My dad was a college wrestler, so I felt like I had to do it, so I just started doing it.”

NE: Do you do any wrestling outside of the school season?

JS: “Yes I do. I do competitive wrestling in the summer.”

NE: What do you like the most about wrestling/one of your favorite moves??

JS: “My favorite move is probably is the double leg.”

NE: What has been one of your most impressive wins?

JS: “Most impressive win was probably when I beat the Oklahoma state champ at nationals.”

NE: Have you won any special awards or titles?

JS: “I’ve won two national championships, one state championship, and I am a six time All-American.”

NE: What is your goal for this season?

JS: “My goal for this season is to go undefeated and to place at states.”

NE: Would you like to wrestle at the collegiate level? If so, have you gotten any interest from any schools?

JS: “Yes I would like to wrestle at the collegiate level if I don’t get a better opportunity for football.

It’s really hard to get a scholarship for wrestling. I don’t have any interests from schools yet. because they typically come later on in high school so I hope to get some soon.”

Rewrite her story.

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Learn more at CASAKentCo.org or by calling 616.632.5311.

Boys and Girls Varity Basketball Look to Reign at the Palace

By Hub Hejna ‘17 STAFF WRITER

Girls Swimming win States Michigan Swimmer of the Year Ileah Doctor ‘18

By Ella Gourley ’18 STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY NIKI EZEH ‘17

Girls varsity is known for their team

conference even though that’s what it is.”

This trip is made even more special considering the fact that this is the final season of Detroit Piston basketball at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Starting next year, the Pistons will relocate to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit and will share a venue with the Red Wings.

“It’s a big deal for us.

To play on an NBA court is chemisty already really cool and then the last year at the Palace is a really cool experience, so I’m really excited,” Devin Upton ‘17 said regarding the games.

“Not many people can say that they have played there,” Ward added.

The girls will play first at 1:00 P.M., followed by the boys at 3:30 P.M. Following the high school games, both teams will stick around to watch the Pistons play the Golden State Warriors.

Tickets to the event are available and will

This holiday break, the East Grand Rapids boy and girls varsity basketball teams are headed to the Palace of Auburn Hills for matchups against Hastings. They will have the opportunity to play on the home floor of the Detroit Pistons.

The two teams are planning to head down to the Motor City the night before the games on a fan bus in order to enjoy some time in the city.

As far as preparation goes, both teams feel it is important to treat it as just another game.

“We try to visualize playing in an arena that big and practice executing under pressure. The main thing is to stay focused and play like we always do instead of letting the big venue get to us,” said Maddie McCahill ‘17 of the girls team.

Marty Ward ‘18 of the boys team plans to take a similar approach.

PHOTO COURTESY THE PEOPLE PICTURE COMPANY “We are going to try to treat it as a normal game even Boys varisty line up before game on Dec. 2 though it won’t feel like it.”

Despite the importance to treat admit you to both the high school games, as it as a standard game, Ward understands well as the Pistons game later that night. If that this game will have a completely differyou’re looking to catch some good basketent feel. “Most of us are probably going to ball, be sure to make the trip down to the be treating this game as more than a nonPalace on Dec. 23rd.

PHOTO BY PHOTO BY ASHLEY WARD ‘18

Lainey Skaggs ‘18, Ileah Doctor ‘18, and Alania Murphy are all members of the swim team, which just won states for the third time in four years.

With a second place in the 2015 division two state meet, the girls swim team came back this year and competed in the division three state meet without missing a beat. The team pulled together and had several outstanding performances which resulted with them winning the State championship and lengthening their impressive list of accomplishments.

The team was filled with immense talent this year, and was able to send 39 swimmers to Holland where the state meet took place on Nov. 18 and 19. The two day meet was a success as 23 swimmers were able to make it past the prelims and score in the finals. ¨Our team did really well, we had so many best times and a lot of all state finishes,¨ Ileah Doctor ´18 said.

One of the most successful East swimmers at this year’s state meet was Ileah Doctor. This was Doctor´s first year swimming for East and she found the team inviting and supportive which helped her thrive at the state meet.

“Everyone has been so nice and I’m so happy I got to be part of such an amazing

Teams who Ball Out at IBL Graphic By Anna Dayton ‘17 STAFF WRITER

Keagan Haulenbeek ‘17 says “8’7 Sasquatch Luke Elder ‘17 will be key out rebounding opponents. That being said, I like to think I’m the star. I put in a lot of work this off season Th e o g and put the team on f t Tr n ,” vi ar he ail S my back every b sa ye of so tre ir r laz n or s ir i e e v m game .” y e i wi e e t. “ alry rs be sen sa Th att h I h a th N e ’d a r ve r 17 S. e 7 Th em BA alth say gai e pr ha fo ar ’ BG l thr t ‘1 ir n e lls m r he il ev ose , bu str y tr we st oud e N “W ski hu eam d st ppe is t to t a t e h e ry bo I r t. sh av BA r Sc s t or Ru S ve ha I u e y NBA Street plans on t I ’ t a e l m t a s i o iz ir ec e BG h e s d ne me ca pec on lkin L l g r rc s “I on r doing nothing but win. n ’t l g w l 4 e r t a -1 Pi im va ry te v ning this season. Accord- go ou e p play the like 0 ns cla ri ve et nn s p lay . P m. e o est e e b .” ing to Micheal Filion ‘17, a a t lu h g to h n A CL te rke hem s, t i w ig e their biggest competia b ov I’m tw a r r is , tion is Bye Week’s new tim thir his pr e.” d recruit, Eleanor West ‘17.

Society’s Ryan Eardley ‘18 talks about their star player. “Our biggest threat is Badger. Badger will lead our team to the “ship”. Badger also takes care of the trash-talking for our team.”

PHOTO BY GRACE RUPPERT ‘17

PHOTO BY GRACE RUPPERT ‘17

Ben Welch ‘18, Jacob Rogers ‘18, and Jack Welch ‘18 are some of the members of Society.

Luke Elder ‘17, Keagan Haulenbeek ‘17, Hayden Fuger ‘17, Luciano Amato ‘17, and Ethan Hunter ‘17 members of Tool Time.

PHOTO BY GRACE RUPPERT ‘17

Hub Hejna ‘17, Sebastian Harrell ‘17, Michael Filion ‘17, and Josh Rabideau ‘17 are members of NBA Street.

team,” Doctor said.

Surrounded by a group of other great swimmers Doctor went into the meet with confidence and proved to be a vital scorer for East. ¨I won the 50 free, 100 breast, and my relay teams won the 200 medley and 200 free relays,¨ Doctor said. Doctor´s fantastic contributions and first place finishes were enough for her to gain the honor of winning D3 swimmer of the year. Along Doctor gained great recognition as an individual she was more focused on being a part of the team. ¨I was just really happy that I was able to score some points and help with our win this year,¨ Doctor said.

EGR beat the team that took second place, Bloomfield Hills Marian, by 148 points with their outstanding score of 512 points. EGR went into the meet predicted to lose to Bloomfield, but overcame the underdog status to win big at the meet. The East girls swim team had several outstanding individual performances which helped them win the state championship and they are now excited to defend their title next year.

ALL STATE HONORS

By Keagan Haulenbeek ‘17

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Volleyball may have ended over a month

ago, with a second place finish in the OK Gold Conference, but Ana Grunewald ‘18 and Katie Persons ‘18 are still receiving praise for their efforts throughout the season.

Grunewald earned a spot on the All State team. More specifically, she was on Class A’s Second Team. Persons received 3rd team honors.

Grunewald and Persons are both outstanding players, Persons with seven years of experience and Grunewald with six.

Grunewald says she is proud of the honors she has received.

“I feel really fortunate to be recognized as an all state player. It also gives me motivation to live up to that type of player,” Grunewald said. As an outside hitter, she is known for her strong spikes and great defense at the net.

She’s also had a unique experience, different from anyone else’s since her mom, Christine Grunewald, was her coach.

“I’ve gotten used to having my mom as a coach and it’s not as weird as I thought it would be. I think she’s a really good coach and my teammates like her too so that makes it pretty easy,” Grunewald said.

Persons plays libero. The 5’3 defensive specialist was known for saving countless volleys, and playing outstanding defense.

“I think I am a good team leader, and good at getting to everything on the court,” Persons said. Persons has been known for her determination, and is glad that all her hard work has paid off with this honor.

“I feel pretty proud and excited because it’s a big honor to be on a third team all state in the whole state of Michigan,” Persons said.

Both players will be expected to lead the team next year as seniors, but they are excited to have strong new players coming up to fill the shoes of seniors Lindsay Duca ‘17, Marlaina Cole ‘17, and Emelen Mikelic ‘17.

“We will miss all three of the seniors because they were a big part of our team, but I’m excited to gain all three Gorslines because they are all strong players,” Persons said.

With both girls as captains next year, the team will surely have a successful next season.